By Sir Hubert Von Herkomer a portrait of William Pirrie who was elected to the senate in 1921.
In ArchiveFramed Oil Painting by Sir Hubert Von Herkomer (1849 - 1914) 1898 - 003 Council Asset Reference
By Sir Hubert Von Herkomer a portrait of William Pirrie who was elected to the senate in 1921.
The Painting depicts Viscount Pirrie in a three piece dark suit with a long Jacket. He has two Gold chains draped across his waistcoat. He leans on a Table with an Inkwell and writing materials. In his hand are clasped some papers .
William James Pirie was a leading British shipbuilder and businessman.
He was born in 1847 in Quebec Canada to Irish parents returning to Ireland when he was two years old, settling in Conlig County Down.
Belonging to a prominent family his nephews included J M Andrews who would later become Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and Thomas Andres builder of The RMS Titanic.
Pirrie began his shipbuilding career as an apprentice at Harland & Wolff in 1862. Twelve years later he was made a partner in the firm. He became Chairman of the company in 1895 a position he was to hold until his death.
Pirrie was elected Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1896 and was elected to the Office and made an Irish Privy Counsellor the next year.
He was raised to the Peerage in 1906 as Baron Pirrie. He was due to travel on the ill fated Titanic’s maiden voyage but illness barred his travel.
In 1921 Pirrie was elected to the Northern Ireland Senate and that same year he was created Viscount Pirrie in the Honours of the Opening of the new Parliament of Northern Ireland.
He died in 1924 aged 77.
This is owned by Belfast City Council 1898 - 003 Council Asset Reference. Image reproduced with the permission of Belfast City Council