A new portrait of the late SDLP leader and “true giant of Northern Irish politics” John Hume is to be unveiled in Westminster today.
Painted by the critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, it was based on sketches made during sittings with Mr Hume in 2016 – four years before he died.
John Hume was a personal hero, so it was a privilege and pleasure to revisit my drawings made in 2016 to paint this new portrait for Westminster. Thanks to the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art, which commissioned it. And to @EamonnMallie who introduced me to John. pic.twitter.com/R6Yi71tdbB
— Colin Davidson (@colin_davidson) November 7, 2022
The portrait will be placed in Portcullis House, one of the busiest buildings in the parliamentary estate, and was first proposed by South Belfast SDLP MP Claire Hanna in recognition of Mr Hume's substantial contribution to peacebuilding.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, said: “John Hume was one of the true giants of Northern Irish politics. An advocate for democracy across these islands and beyond, it was important for the house to ensure that Hume was finally represented in the collection.”
Describing him as “one of the most important and impactful parliamentarians of his generation,” he also praised the “wonderful likeness” captured on canvas.
Davidson has already achieved “international recognition” for his portraits which include high-profile politicians including David Trimble, Ian Paisley, Martin McGuinness, Bill Clinton as well as Hollywood star Brad Pitt.
Entitled ‘John Hume,’ Davidson started work on the posthumous portrait earlier this year.
The oil on canvas painting measures 37x40 inches and shows the former SDLP leader adjusting his glasses and focusing on the gaze of the person looking at him, showing a “curious, yet quietly self-assured pose.”
It is Davidson’s second painting of Hume, having first completed a portrait of him in 2016.
“Six years ago I was honoured to spend time with John Hume, drawing and sketching a man who had become a personal hero for me," he said.
"Over the last year, I have revisited these drawings and created something new – a different portrait painting which, I hope, captures John’s focused vision and strength of character.
“John meant so much to so many people across these islands. We would not have peace in this part of the world without him, so it is appropriate that this new portrait of John Hume will hang in
Westminster now for people to visit and hopefully draw inspiration from. I am grateful to both the Committee - and of course the Hume family - for the privilege.”
Tim Atwood chairs the John and Pat Hume Foundation and praised Davidson’s “wonderful” skill as an artist and as a “courageous voice for peace and reconciliation” for his work campaigning for victims and survivors.
