Oil Painting Mayor Of Maidstone Frederick Leslie Wallis by Bernard Hailstone





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Description


Important Oil Painting by Bernard Hailstone – Mid-Century Portrait of Mayor of Maidstone in Full Civic Regalia (1957)

Subject & Medium
A historically significant original oil on canvas portrait by renowned British artist Bernard Hailstone (1910–1987). This powerful and dignified mid-century painting by repute depicts Frederick Leslie Wallis, former Mayor of Maidstone, Kent, portrayed in full ceremonial dress.

The mayor is shown seated in a formal three-quarter view, wearing:

Vivid red civic robes trimmed with fur
An ornate gold mayoral chain and badge of office
A selection of British military and civil medals, including:
MBE
1914/15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal (WWI)
Defence Medal 1939–1945 (WWII)
Special Constabulary Medal (Elizabeth II)
Presented in a later light oak frame, the painting is signed by the artist and ready to hang.

Composition & Technique
Bernard Hailstone’s composition is stately and evocative, positioning the subject with confidence and quiet authority. The sitter’s gaze is steady, his posture composed – a reflection of his role and service.

The artist’s brushwork is smooth yet expressive, especially in the face and hands, capturing subtle textures of skin, fur, and fabric.
The deep crimson robes command attention – symbolizing royal representation – and are painted in rich tones that contrast beautifully with the dark, moody background.
The gold chain and medals shimmer with refined, realistic highlights, showing Hailstone’s control of light and detail.
The portrait features classical lighting, restrained and balanced, emphasizing the dignified tone and realism of the work.
This is a superb example of Hailstone’s mastery of colour, texture, portraiture, and presence.

Artist Signature
This painting is clearly signed by Bernard Hailstone in the lower portion of the canvas. The signature is legible and authentic, consistent with other known works by the artist from the same period. It confirms this as an original, signed piece directly from the hand of the artist.

Artist Biography
Bernard Hailstone (1910–1987) was a prominent British portrait and war artist. Educated at Goldsmiths' College of Art and the Royal Academy Schools, he gained national attention during World War II, where he served in the Auxiliary Fire Service and later became an official war artist for the War Artists’ Advisory Committee and the Ministry of War Transport.

He painted scenes across Britain, Algiers, Malta, Italy, and Burma, capturing both military personnel and civilians with striking humanity and detail.

Post-war, Hailstone rose to prominence as a portraitist of both public figures and royalty. His sitters included:

Sir Winston Churchill (last official portrait, 1955)
HM Queen Elizabeth II
Lord Mountbatten
Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Sir John Barbirolli
His works are held in the Imperial War Museum, National Maritime Museum, Royal Collection Trust, and many other public and private collections. He was also responsible for helping preserve Hadlow Castle, where he lived and painted for many years.

Frame
The painting is housed in a handsome later-period light oak frame with a clean, masculine profile that complements the dignified tone of the portrait. While not original to the painting, the frame enhances the visual presentation and is sturdy and ready to hang, complete with a hanging thread on the reverse.

It shows typical age-related wear, including small scuffs and minor surface marks, in keeping with its vintage appearance.

Size
Height (including frame): 85.1 cm
Width: 72 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm
Ideal for display in both traditional and formal interior settings.

Provenance
Believed to depict Frederick Leslie Wallis (1896–1962), former Mayor of Maidstone, Kent.
Painted in 1957 and signed by Bernard Hailstone.
Hailstone’s works are held in collections of:
The Imperial War Museum
The National Maritime Museum
The Royal Collection Trust, among others
Special thanks to Elizabeth Finn (Archive Service Officer, Libraries, Registration and Archives, Kent County Council, Kent History and Library Centre) and Jonathan Barker for their valuable research into the mayor’s medals and for confirming the sitter’s identity.
Why You'll Love It:
Original signed work by a major British 20th-century artist
Important subject matter: a civic leader, portrayed with military honors and civic regalia
Beautiful example of mid-century British portraiture
A statement piece with historical and artistic significance

Condition Report
Offered in fine vintage condition.
The painting surface is in good order with some minor paint loss around the outer edges and light craquelure consistent with age.
The frame shows general wear, including small scuffs, chips, and scratches, appropriate for its period.



Reserve: $4,320.00

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