King George VI

Sitterback to top

• King George VI (1895-1952), Reigned 1936-52. Sitter associated with 420 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Gerald Kelly (1879-1972), Painter and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 27 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This study shows the King in the robes of the Order of the Garter and was made while Kelly was working on the State Portrait of the King in his coronation robes, now in the Royal Collection. Kelly stayed at Windsor Castle to work on these commissions, using the Grand Reception Room as a studio. Kelly wrote that he 'had to try and solve the problem of persuading this modest man to strike a decorative pose…The King was infinitely patient. He didn't like posing'..

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 243