Signed Bernard Hailstone Dated 1957 Mayor of Maidstone British Civic Oil Portrait Scarlet Red Robes

Details

Description

Bernard Hailstone 1957 Mayor of Maidstone British Civic Oil Portrait

An Imposing Mid-Century Portrait in Scarlet Robes and Gold Civic … Read more Bernard Hailstone 1957 Mayor of Maidstone British Civic Oil Portrait

An Imposing Mid-Century Portrait in Scarlet Robes and Gold Civic Regalia

Highlights

* Original Bernard Hailstone oil painting
* Signed and dated 1957
* Traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP
* Mayor of Maidstone 1956–57
* Scarlet ceremonial robes with fur trim
* Gold civic chain and Maidstone heraldic pendant
* Historic medal group
* Later light oak frame
* Kent Archives research correspondence
* Strong statement scale for an interior

Introduction

A commanding mid-century British portrait with a sophisticated combination of deep colour, formal composition and elaborate civic regalia.

Painted by Bernard Hailstone in 1957, the sitter is traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP, Mayor of Maidstone during 1956–57.

The vivid scarlet robes and gleaming gold chain provide a dramatic counterpoint to the restrained dark background, making the work particularly effective as a statement portrait.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Bernard Hailstone (1910–1987)

Sitter: Traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP

Date: 1957

Medium: Oil on canvas

Signed and dated lower right “B. HAILSTONE 57”

Frame: Later light oak

Catalogue Note

The portrait's central armorial pendant carries the historic arms of Maidstone, providing strong evidence for the civic office represented.

The date coincides with Wallis's mayoralty and his documented OBE and First World War service correspond with the decoration group.

Kent County Council Archives investigated the sitter in 2023. An original municipal commission has not yet been located.

The Sitter

Wallis was born in Maidstone in 1896 and served in France during the First World War.

He subsequently became a director of G. E. Wallis & Sons Ltd and achieved prominence within the building industry.

Wallis was appointed OBE and served as Mayor of Maidstone in 1956–57.

The Civic Regalia and Decorations

The formal scarlet robes, fur edging and gold mayoral chain create the principal visual focus.

The sitter wears his OBE and a group of military and long-service decorations. A seventh Elizabeth II-era medal remains under research.

The Artist

Bernard Hailstone was a British portrait and war artist whose career encompassed official wartime commissions and portraits of leading public figures.

Provenance

Earlier provenance presently untraced.

Kent County Council Archives research correspondence dated 6 October 2023.

Thereafter Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Approximately 33.50 inches high × 28.35 inches wide × 1.77 inches deep.

Approximately 85.1 × 72 × 4.5 cm.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.

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