🎨 Oil Painting By Bernard Hailstone Portrait British Mayor Frederick Leslie Wallis in Ceremonial Robes
🎨 Signed Bernard Hailstone Portrait – British Mayor in Ceremonial Robes (1957 Oil Painting)
🧑🎨 Subject & Medium
This is a remarkable original oil on canvas by esteemed British artist Bernard Hailstone (1910–1987), painted in 1957. It features by repute Frederick Leslie Wallis, Mayor of Maidstone, Kent, seated in a formal three-quarter view, proudly wearing his full ceremonial attire.
He is depicted in:
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Rich red civic robes trimmed with fur
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An ornate gold chain of office and badge
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Displaying six military and service medals, including:
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MBE
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1914/15 Star
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British War Medal
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Victory Medal (WWI)
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Defence Medal (WWII)
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Special Constabulary Medal (Elizabeth II)
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This is a signed original – a fine, museum-quality portrait from the mid-20th century.
🖼️ Composition & Technique
Hailstone’s talent is on full display in this lifelike and stately composition:
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The subject is portrayed with confidence, dignity, and realism.
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His expressive brushwork captures the textures of skin, fabric, and fur with striking clarity.
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The vibrant red of the robes contrasts dramatically with the deep, muted green-black background, drawing the eye to the figure’s commanding presence.
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Details like the gold medals and chain shimmer with subtle highlights.
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The work features balanced classical lighting, contributing to the portrait’s authority and solemnity.
A true showcase of colour harmony, realism, and technical control.🖼️ Frame
The painting is set in a later-period masculine light oak frame that suits the portrait’s formal character.
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Sturdy and ready to hang
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Fitted with hanging thread on the reverse
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Shows minor age-related scuffs and surface wear consistent with its vintage style
📏 Dimensions (including frame)
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Height: 85.1 cm
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Width: 72 cm
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Depth: 4.5 cm
Perfect for display in traditional, civic, or heritage-inspired interiors.
✍️ Artist Signature
The painting is signed clearly by Bernard Hailstone in the lower portion of the canvas. The signature is authentic, consistent with Hailstone’s work from this period, and confirms this as a genuine original by the artist.
🧑🎨 Artist Biography
Bernard Hailstone was one of Britain’s most important portrait artists of the 20th century. Educated at Goldsmiths' College and the Royal Academy Schools, he gained national recognition during WWII for his work as an official war artist, documenting the lives of civil defence workers, military personnel, and transport crews.
Post-war, he became a highly sought-after portraitist, painting figures such as:
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Winston Churchill (1955 official portrait)
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HM Queen Elizabeth II
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Lord Mountbatten
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Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Sir John Barbirolli
His works are held in the Imperial War Museum, National Maritime Museum, and Royal Collection Trust, among others.
🏡 Provenance
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Subject is believed to be Frederick Leslie Wallis (1896–1962), Mayor of Maidstone, Kent
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Painted and signed in 1957 by Bernard Hailstone
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Hailstone’s works are represented in:
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Imperial War Museum
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National Maritime Museum
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Royal Collection Trust
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Special thanks to Elizabeth Finn (Archive Service Officer, Kent County Council) and Jonathan Barker for researching the mayor’s medals and confirming his identity
🌟 Why You'll Love It
✅ Original signed work by a major 20th-century British portraitist
✅ Captures the dignity and legacy of civic leadership
✅ Vivid colour, rich texture, and powerful composition
✅ Ideal for collectors, decorators, or lovers of British history
✅ Strong investment potential – Hailstone’s Churchill portrait sold for over $10,000 USD
🧾 Condition Report
Offered in fine vintage condition.
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The canvas shows light craquelure and minor paint loss around edges
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Frame has general surface wear, scuffs, and small chips
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Overall, it presents beautifully and is ready to hang
🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.
🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece