Overall: 52cm (20.5in) x 33cm (13in)
Ex: Government House, Isle of Man
Full length presentation portraits of George V and Queen Mary by court photographers W. & D. Downey of 61 Ebury Street, London, S.W. The first signed and dated 1920 in the lower mount in the King’s hand ‘George, R.I.’, for George Rex Imperator (King Emperor). The King is shown in the full dress uniform of a Field Marshal with his baton in his right hand, and ostrich plumed bicorn hat on the table beside him. Image size 28cm (11in) x 18cm (7in). The second signed and dated 1920 in Queen Mary’s hand in the lower mount. Queen wearing State dress, jewels and Garter insignia. Each contained in a period glazed giltwood frame surmounted by the State Imperial Crown borne upon a tasseled cushion. Image size 28cm (11in) x 18cm (7in). The portrait of the Queen inscribed on the reverse: ‘Presented by Her Majesty Queen Mary / to Lady Fry at Government House / Isle of Man 15th July 1920’.
Read more
The present portraits were presented to Ellen, Lady Fry on the occasion of a royal visit to the Isle of Man in July 1920. The papers reported ‘After passing through Crosby and Kirk Braddan, amid scenes of much enthusiasm, the visitors arrived at Government House, Douglas, where luncheon was served. A little later the King conferred the honour of a knighthood upon the Lieutenant-Governor (Major-General Fry) ... Subsequently a garden party at Government House Their Majesties met members of the Legislative Council and the House of Keys ... After many farewells the Royal party embarked by motor launch and returned to the Victoria & Albert. Later in the afternoon the Royal yacht steamed out of the bay, thus bringing to an end a memorable visit to Manxland’.
Major-General Sir William Fry, K.C.V.O., C.B. (1858-1934) served as Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Man from 1918 to 1925 after a distinguished military career, that included the command of the 30th Division on the Western Front. Interestingly Sir William and Lady Fry were married at Braddan, Isle of Man back in 1886.