Prime Ministers’ Portraits for Auction

A Historic Opportunity

On June 12th, Sloane Street Auctions will present a major cultural event: the sale of 21 portraits of British Prime Ministers. Built over a lifetime by dedicated collectors, this is one of the largest private holdings of political portraiture outside the National Portrait Gallery.

The collection spans more than three centuries of leadership, from Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister, to Margaret Thatcher, the country’s first female leader.

Introduction

Portraits of Prime Ministers serve as both works of art and historical records. They immortalize the personalities and achievements of the men and women who have shaped Britain. This upcoming auction offers a rare chance for collectors to acquire pieces that reflect not only political history but also artistic mastery.

Walpole Portrait

At the heart of the sale is a portrait of Sir Robert Walpole (1676–1745) by Irish artist Charles Jervas (c.1675–1739).

Estimated at £25,000–35,000, it depicts Britain’s first Prime Minister, who held office for more than two decades, guiding the Whig Party and establishing the foundations of modern parliamentary leadership.

Considered to be Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745) was in office as head of the Whig party from 1721-1742. The portrait by the Irish artist Charles Jervas (c.1675-1739) is estimated at £25,000-35,000.

Other Prime Ministers

The collection also features portraits of:

William Pitt the Younger
Spencer Perceval – the only Prime Minister to be assassinated
The Duke of Wellington – famed military leader and statesman
Sir Robert Peel – founder of the modern police force
Benjamin Disraeli
William Gladstone
David Lloyd George
Harold Macmillan
Anthony Eden
Harold Wilson
Margaret Thatcher

Together, these portraits reflect the changing face of leadership in Britain, from the 18th century to the modern era.

Ruskin Spear’s Contribution

Renowned English painter Ruskin Spear (1911–1990) produced several of the works in the collection, including portraits of Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher. His expressive style brought new life to the representation of 20th-century leaders.

Churchill Bronze

Another highlight is a rare bronze maquette by sculptor Oscar Nemon (1906–1985). Entitled Married Love, the piece depicts Sir Winston and Lady Churchill and is valued at £10,000–15,000.

Created around 1978, the sculpture reflects Nemon’s close friendship with the Churchill family. Lady Churchill once described his earlier bust of Winston as a triumph in capturing his true character. A life-size version of this work can be seen at Chartwell, the Churchill family’s home in Kent.

*The maquette by Oscar Nemon of* Married Love, *whose life-size version may be found at Chartwell. The estimate is £10,000-15,000.*

Auction House Perspective

Sloane Street Auctions’ owner Daniel Hunt expressed pride in offering this collection:

“Having had such a success with the sale of the property of the late Baroness Thatcher, we are proud to present this major collection of portraits of British Prime