Bernard Hailstone 1957 Oil Portrait Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE Mayor Maidstone

Bernard Hailstone 1957 Portrait of Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, Mayor of Maidstone

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

Highlights

* Bernard Hailstone (1910-1987)
* Traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP
* Mayor of Maidstone, 1956-57
* Signed and dated 1957
* Oil on canvas
* Rich scarlet ceremonial robes
* Gold civic chain and Maidstone armorial pendant
* OBE and service decoration group
* Kent County Council Archives research
* Later light oak frame
* Strong decorative presence

Introduction

A commanding British civic portrait by Bernard Hailstone, painted in 1957 and traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP, Mayor of Maidstone during the civic year 1956-57.

The vivid scarlet robes and elaborate gold chain provide the principal visual focus, while the Maidstone badge and service decorations add considerable historical interest.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Bernard Hailstone

Sitter: Traditionally identified as Frederick Leslie Wallis OBE, JP (1896-1962)

Date: 1957

Medium: Oil on canvas

Signature: Signed and dated lower right

Frame: Later light oak

Catalogue Note

The Maidstone arms depicted on the civic pendant are particularly important evidence for the office represented.

The 1957 date corresponds with Wallis's mayoralty, while his documented OBE and First World War service support the traditional identification.

Kent County Council Archives investigated the sitter in 2023 and proposed Wallis as the likely identity. An original municipal commission has not yet been traced.

The Sitter

Wallis was born in Maidstone in 1896, served in France during the First World War and later became a director of G. E. Wallis & Sons Ltd.

He was appointed OBE in 1947 and served as Mayor of Maidstone during 1956-57.

The Civic Regalia and Decorations

The sitter wears scarlet civic robes with broad fur trimming and the gold mayoral chain and heraldic badge of Maidstone.

The decorations include the OBE, First World War Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Defence Medal and Special Constabulary Long Service Medal.

A seventh Elizabeth II-era service medal remains under research.

The Artist

Bernard Hailstone was an important British portrait and war artist whose career included official wartime commissions and an extensive later portrait practice.

Provenance

Earlier provenance presently untraced.

Kent County Council Archives research correspondence dated 6 October 2023 retained with the work.

Thereafter Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Approximately 85.1 x 72 x 4.5 cm framed.

Condition Report

Age-related craquelure and minor peripheral losses are present.

The later oak frame shows expected marks and wear associated with age and previous display.

Please study all photographs carefully.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the substantial dimensions and weight of the framed portrait, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

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.

Attribution and Research

The 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.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. Future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

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.

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