The Painting records, in Oils, the Opening of the First Northern Ireland Parliament by King George V at City Hall, Belfast, on 22nd June 1921.
In ArchiveFramed Oil Painting in Oils on Canvas.
The Painting records, in Oils, the Opening of the First Northern Ireland Parliament by King George V at City Hall, Belfast, on 22nd June 1921. The Painting depicts the King and Queen and all of the assembled Dignitaries within the Chamber.
The King and Queen are depicted standing on the raised platform in front of the two ceremonial Throne Chairs. The King is depicted in his full Ceremonial dress and in the process of conducting his Speech to the assembled Commons and Dignitaries.
William Conor, a distinguished Artist was appointed to paint the “Opening of the First Northern Ireland Parliament by King George V on 22 June 1921, in the Council Chamber in Belfast City Hall”.
The resultant painting is an Oil on Canvas piece and measures 2'9 x 4'6.
The Painting now hangs in the Senate Chamber in Parliament Buildings at Stormont.
The artist Conor used a black and white photograph of the assembled Dignitaries, taken at the time of the Opening ceremonies, in order to enable him to position the Members of the House of Commons correctly as they faced His Majesty King George V.
The finished Painting was unveiled in 1922.
Historical evidence suggests that Conor received, by way of remuneration for his efforts, a Cheque for £131. 6s. 0d. Curiously this was a figure which fell far short of the original £200 that had been agreed.
Owned by NI Assembly. Image reproduced with the permission of the Northern Ireland Assembly.