Portrait of a Lady
In an atmosphere of intense anticipation, the portrait of the Lady Chief Justice by Keith Breeden was unveiled at the Treasurer’s reception for members on 29 September 2026. Before the unveiling, Master Alison Foster, Master of Pictures, spoke about the choice of artist.
I am tempted to start by saying – Keith was not my choice. But that’s because he was everybody’s choice. How did this come about?
As Master of Pictures, I am fortunate to have a Deputy in Simon Davenport KC and a small Committee. Between us a short list of artists was created, discussions were had, and a choice canvassed.
I was mightily glad about the result. As Sue, the Lady Chief Justice, knows, I was always keen for Keith to paint her. This wish to have a significant portrait by him started a long time ago when I first saw his head of Lord Rawlinson in the Drawing Room. His portrait captures the essence of a personality, not just Lord Rawlinson’s status.
Then, I was having supper in my old college where portraits range from a fabulous portrait of the founder Elizabeth 1st down to – as it were – Harold Wilson, via Lawrence of Arabia. My eye lit on a fantastic picture of the previous principal, Lord Krebs. The firm, intellectual essence of the man sparkles in a beguiling bucolic setting – it is quite startling. This was another ‘Keith’ as I discovered afterwards. So, when the time came, I thought of him.
I had, as well, rather wanted the artist who did the fabulous new portrait of Lady Arden for Lincoln’s Inn. You’ll know the punchline – that too is a ‘Keith’, as I discovered.
He himself speaks of establishing the presence of the sitter on the canvass, of his dedication to the task, and his attempt to tell the truth. I hope you agree with me that this impressive, thoughtful picture captures Sue, the power, the intelligence – the person.
I shall finish with very brief thanks. So, thank you to the gentleman who used to hang where she does now… thank you for holding the place for the Lady Chief – and I’m sorry! Thank you to the Pictures team, and a special thank you to the Executive Committee and Finance Sub-Committee for allowing us to commission a big, big picture. And to Henrietta for being resolute, patient and ever active in helping to bring this to fruition.
The Hon Mrs Justice Alison Foster DBE
Master of Pictures & Clocks 2017–2025
To explore the Inn’s collection of paintings:
nrtm.pl/painting
