{"product_id":"bernard-hailstone-c1957-oil-portrait-frederick-leslie-wallis-obe-mayor-of-maidstone","title":"Bernard Hailstone c1957 Oil Portrait – Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, Mayor of Maidstone","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBernard Hailstone 1957 Oil Portrait – Traditionally Identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, Mayor of Maidstone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Important Mid-Century British Civic Portrait in Full Mayoral Regalia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBernard Hailstone (British, 1910–1987)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP (1896–1962)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayor of the Municipal Borough of Maidstone, 1956–57\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1957\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned and dated lower right “B. HAILSTONE 57”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScarlet fur-trimmed civic robes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Maidstone mayoral chain and heraldic badge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOBE, First World War and later service decorations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKent County Council Archives research correspondence retained with the painting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater light oak frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed approximately 85.1 × 72 × 4.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn imposing and historically engaging British civic portrait by Bernard Hailstone (1910–1987), signed and dated 1957.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter is traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP (1896–1962), Mayor of the Municipal Borough of Maidstone during the civic year 1956–57.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallis is shown seated in full ceremonial dress wearing richly coloured scarlet civic robes with broad fur trimming, the substantial gold mayoral chain and heraldic badge of Maidstone. His black ceremonial cocked hat, embellished with gold bullion ornament, rests across his lap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition combines formal civic portraiture with a fascinating record of local, professional and military history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Bernard Hailstone (British, 1910–1987)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003ePortrait of Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP, Mayor of Maidstone\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSitter: Traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP (1896–1962)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffice: Mayor of the Municipal Borough of Maidstone, 1956–57\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: 1957\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Signed and dated lower right “B. HAILSTONE 57”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: Civic and mayoral portrait\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod: Mid-20th century \/ Post-War\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: British\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Later light oak frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional identification of the sitter rests upon several converging pieces of evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is dated 1957, corresponding with Wallis's mayoralty, while the painted civic pendant reproduces the historic arms of Maidstone. Wallis's documented OBE and First World War service also correspond closely with the decoration group depicted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKent County Council Archives investigated the sitter in correspondence dated 6 October 2023 and proposed Frederick Leslie Wallis as the likely identification. Further research has reinforced that conclusion through contemporary biographical evidence and contemporary reporting which places Wallis as Mayor of Maidstone in 1957.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn original commission, municipal payment record or historic council inventory for this particular portrait has not presently been located. The sitter is therefore deliberately described as traditionally identified rather than definitively proven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sitter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrederick Leslie Wallis was born in Maidstone in 1896.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe entered the building trade as an apprentice carpenter before serving in France during the First World War. Returning in 1919, he rejoined G. E. Wallis \u0026amp; Sons Ltd and subsequently became a director of the family firm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallis became a prominent figure within the British building industry while also undertaking substantial civic and public responsibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1947 Birthday Honours and later served as Mayor of Maidstone during 1956–57.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary evidence records Wallis launching an appeal during 1957 for the recasting and rehanging of the ten bells of All Saints’, Maidstone. The resulting tenor bell commemorated Leslie Wallis as Mayor in 1957.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Civic Regalia and Decorations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWallis wears scarlet civic robes with broad fur collar and fur-trimmed cuffs over formal black dress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial gold chain terminates in an armorial pendant displaying Maidstone's historic civic arms, providing important independent evidence for the office represented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross his lap rests a black ceremonial cocked hat decorated with gold bullion ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first decoration is the insignia of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, correcting the earlier MBE description associated with the painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remaining group appears to include a First World War Star, British War Medal 1914–20, Victory Medal 1914–19, Defence Medal 1939–45 and Special Constabulary Long Service Medal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA seventh Elizabeth II-era service medal is also represented. Its precise identity remains under research and is not stated categorically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBernard Hailstone (1910–1987) was an important British portrait and war artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe trained at Goldsmiths’ College School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. During the Second World War he served with the Auxiliary Fire Service and became associated with the Firemen Artists before undertaking official wartime commissions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHailstone later developed a substantial portrait practice encompassing political, military, royal, civic and other prominent sitters, including Sir Winston Churchill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis work is represented in major British public collections including Imperial War Museums and Royal Museums Greenwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier provenance presently untraced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKent County Council Archives research correspondence dated 6 October 2023 retained with the painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThereafter Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo documentary evidence has yet been located establishing original municipal ownership or commission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight approximately 85.1 cm \/ 33.50 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth approximately 72 cm \/ 28.35 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth approximately 4.5 cm \/ 1.77 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in good historic used condition consistent with a painting dating from 1957.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted surface displays age-related craquelure, with some areas more pronounced than others, together with minor peripheral wear and losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe later light oak frame exhibits general age and handling wear including rubbing, scuffs and minor localised losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwing to the substantial dimensions and weight of the framed portrait, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternational buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuture documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBringing History Into Your Home.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44178467356925,"sku":"CAC-SK-0146","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/products\/portrait-maidstone-mayor-frederick-leslie-wallis-red-coat-robes-by-bernard-hailstone-754843.jpg?v=1697874249","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/it-it\/products\/bernard-hailstone-c1957-oil-portrait-frederick-leslie-wallis-obe-mayor-of-maidstone","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}