Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art unveils official portrait of Nobel Prize winner John Hume

• Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art

Painted by the critically acclaimed Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson, the portrait of the former MP for Foyle marks the contribution the Nobel Peace Prize winner made during his 22 years as a Westminster MP.

Painted over a number of weeks at Davidson’s studio in Northern Ireland, it is based on sketches the artist made during sittings with Hume in 2016 – four years before he died.

First elected to the Foyle constituency in 1983, John Hume was a leading figure in the Northern Irish civil rights movement. He was leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 1979 to 2001 and one of the key architects of the peace process. In 1998 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace alongside David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party ‘for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland’. Supported by his wife Pat, Hume’s work won him support from across the political spectrum both at home and abroad. He continues to be remembered fondly by Members who served alongside him in the House of Commons, as well as those who came after him.

Following a proposal from the Member for Belfast South, Claire Hanna (SDLP), the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art were pleased to commission the portrait as a permanent addition to the Parliamentary Art Collection – recognising Hume’s important role in promoting peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

‘John Hume’

Colin Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast, Northern Ireland. A graduate of the University of Ulster, he has won international recognition for his portraits and is considered one of Northern Ireland’s most important artists. As well as numerous commissions, Davidson’s sitters have included several Northern Irish and Irish politicians, including Lord David Trimble, the Revd. Ian Paisley (Baron Bannside), President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and Martin McGuinness.

Entitled ‘John Hume’, Davidson began working on the posthumous portrait in 2022. Completed earlier this summer, the painting is oil on canvas measuring 37x40 inches – in keeping with the artist’s commitment to large-scale, impactful works. Hume is shown adjusting his glasses and focusing on the gaze of the person looking at him – retaining a curious, yet quietly self-assured pose.

Davidson first painted Hume in 2016, as part of a private commission. Sitting with John for over two hours, he made a number of sketches as Hume read stories from ‘Silent Testimony’ – Davidson’s collection of portraits and stories of individuals affected by The Troubles. These sketches went on to form the basis of the new composition.

Opportunities to view

The portrait of John Hume sits alongside other artworks from the Parliamentary Art Collection, in the publicly accessible area of the first floor of Portcullis House. Installation of the work is expected to complete early next year.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: John Hume by Colin Davidson, Oil on Canvas, 2022 © UK Parliament WOA 7738