By James Sinton Sleator, a portrait of Belfast’s longest serving Lord Mayor, who was elected to the new parliament in 1921, and also, later, was in the Senate.
In ArchiveFramed Oil Painting by James Sinton (1886 - 1948) 1946 - 001 Council Asset Reference
By James Sinton Sleator, a portrait of Belfast’s longest serving Lord Mayor, who was elected to the new parliament in 1921, and also, later, was in the Senate.
The Painting depicts Sir Crawford in full Mayoral dress with ornate Ceremonial cloak and Badges of Office.
Crawford McCollough was born into a humble rural family in Lismara County Antrim in 1868. Aged 13 he was taken on his first visit to Belfast, something which had an indelible effect on him. After his next birthday, in 1882, aged just 14, he moved to the City to seek a new life.
By age 25 he had become Manager of a Draper’s business in the town.
He entered the Political fray becoming a City Councillor in 1895 and joining the Ulster Unionist Council. Soon after he took responsibility for Belfast City Improvement Committee with responsibility for replacing unsanitary homes with more modern dwellings.
He rose to influence and prestige becoming Mayor of Belfast in and served as Lord Mayor for a total of 17 years, over three tenures.
He first served as Lord Mayor in 1914, and was re-elected in 1915 and 1916.
He returned to the position in 1931 and was re-elected for 11 consecutive years.
When George R. Black died in post during 1942, McCullagh was again chosen as Lord Mayor and continued in the position until the end of 1945, making him the longest serving Mayor in the United Kingdom.
He was Knighted in 1915. He was Elected a Member of Parliament for South Belfast in the election of 1921 a Seat he held until 1925.
As Lord Mayor he was also ex officio a member of the Senate of Northern Ireland. He was later a member of the Privy Council.
He was made a Baronet in 1935.
This is owned by Belfast City Council 1946 - 001 Council Asset Reference. Image reproduced with the permission of Belfast City Council