The Painting was Painted by N. Burn
In ArchiveFramed Oil Painting by N. Burn
The Painting was Painted by N. Burn
It depicts James Craig in full ceremonial Military dress with White Trousers, a highly decorated (with Gold brocade) Black Coat with Tails.
He is pictured holding his plumed headdress in his gloved Left hand together with another white Glove. On his Chest are depicted two Service Medals with Ribbons.
James Craig was a prominent Irish Unionist politician. He was Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and in 1921 became the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
He first entered Politics after his return from Military Service, serving as MP for East Down from 1906 - 1918. From 1918 - 1921 he represented Mid Down. He was made a Baronet in 1918 (and later, in 1927, Viscount Craigavon)
In 1921 he succeeded Edward Carson as Leader of The Ulster Unionist Party.
In the 1921 Election he was elected to the newly created Northern Ireland House of Commons as one of a number of Members representing County Down.
On 7th June 1921 he was appointed Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister, a position in which he served until his death in 1940.
In the Painting, which was commissioned whilst Craig was still in Office as Prime Minister, he is depicted wearing a Green, White and Orange medallion which seems to be a Military decoration of some sort, perhaps from the Boer War, in which the then Captain Craig Served.
Owned by NI Assembly. Image reproduced with the permission of the Northern Ireland Assembly.