THE family of John Hume have said a new portrait at Westminster will be a "permanent reminder" of the late Foyle MP's work for the people of Derry.
The painting of the former SDLP leader, who died in 2020, was unveiled last night at Portcullis House, opposite the Palace of Westminster in London.
It was completed in the summer by Belfast artist Colin Davidson and a proposal to have it installed at Westminster, where Mr Hume represented Foyle for over two decades, was made by SDLP MP Claire Hanna.
The late Nobel Peace Prize winner's son, John Hume Jr, said: "Clare Hanna moved heaven and earth to encourage the House of Commons to commission this work and for that we are very grateful. Dad spent 20 years in the House of Commons working hard for the people of Derry. We are delighted that there will now be a permanent reminder of this work on display."
Meanwhile, chair of the John and Pat Hume Foundation, Séan Farren, said of the portrait's artist: "It is wonderful that Colin Davidson was commissioned by the House of Commons - not only because he is a local and internationally acclaimed artist - but also because Colin, through his work with WAVE, is a campaigner for victims and survivors."
Dr Farren praised Mr Davidson's 'Silent Testimony' exhibition, which was displayed in the Ulster Museum in 2015 and returned last year, adding it captured "the pain and hurt of individuals who suffered loss during the Troubles".
He added of Mr Davidson: "Like John and Pat Hume, he is a courageous voice for peace and reconciliation."
