When Malcolm Lyell left Holland & Holland in the late 80's and the company was sold to Chanel, the painting had been hanging in an office at Holland's with little attention paid to it. Malcolm when he had bought the Westley Richards agency in the early 50's had use of much of the contents of our Conduit Street shop. These included, furniture, signs, record books, William Bishop's Clock (which I now have back), his portrait and many other items from our past.
Roger Mitchell who took over as MD of Holland's approached my father with an offer to buy the painting and one which my father accepted. He blames the fact that he didn't really know what he was selling as hadn't really seen it that much. Whatever, the painting passed into Holland's hands and has remained there since.
In its own right the painting is a very good portrait executed by Henry Barraud in 1848 and one that shows the character of the Bishop very well, a man who was never caught without his Top Hat off! As a painting that hangs in another gunmakers gunroom I have never quite understood the relevance and why they would not rather promote their own history, founders and managers. It has always seemed strange that they allow the 'good management' of a Westley Richards gunroom to be displayed with such importance in their own place of business.
Over the years, I and many other of my good customers have tried to get the painting back, alas to no avail. I tried again once more last week and asked the current MD Daryl Greatrex if there was any chance to buy or exchange for money and a painting I have of a notable Holland client shooting and was told 'no' he thought there was no chance! I don't believe in all these years that the question has ever been asked of the man who could or would actually make the decision to let the painting return to the company it rightfully belongs but perhaps one day that will happen.
I think now I have to expose the painting and 'link it' permanently in peoples minds to Westley Richards so that when anyone visits the Holland & Holland gunroom they immediately think Westley Richards. Perhaps in the end this is better advertising use than having it myself!
Obviously any help from a 'well connected' person in getting the picture back would be most appreciated!!
The only photograph of the Bishop that I have ever come across and probably the one used for the portrait.
The William Bishop Clock and the Tombstone of 'Tiny' his dog who features in the painting sitting on the chair.
The original painting hanging in Holland & Holland's showroom.
neill mcInnis on November 29, 2016 at 3:07 am
Simon,
I just returned to the states from a wonderful week of shooting and sight seeing in around London. While visiting H & H I asked the very question we are talking about. " why have a portrait of the man who represents WR hanging in H & H?" The only response I received was I bet WR would love to have it back.! I saw possible humor in the response and informed this gentleman that I shoot Westley Richards. I hope you do get this painting back one day but I think H & H may enjoy owning it.
Simon Clode on November 18, 2016 at 10:49 am
I am quite sure you are correct, they of course have no interest in assisting or pleasing us, it is a minor item amongst all their problems. This story has been going on long before the blog and it was just a note to say it was my “final attempt”!
Gary Penrice on November 18, 2016 at 10:32 am
Simon, I would suggest that where you have previously commented in your blog rather unfavorably about Holland & Holland has probably not done you any favours now when trying to acquire this painting. Previous negative comments by yourself are perhaps coming home to roost as they say!
Alan Davey on November 18, 2016 at 1:36 pm
These situations are toxic. Do what you are best at and commission a portrait of your father who saved the company.
I would suggest the most brilliant of contemporary portrait photographers, Nadav Kander
I have absolutely no connection with him, just an admirer. check him out.
Peter B on November 16, 2016 at 9:39 pm
I do agree with Neill, but I also think you have been to much the gentleman dealing with whom you thought you should deal with, (that should be commended), you as the head of your company make the final decisions and deal with your customers and guest’s alike in person, dare I say in most company’s this doesn’t happen these days! (it should).
I once rented a business premises and they were to raise the rent yet again so I made an appointment with the Managing Director of the company that owned it on the premise that I wanted to discuss this with him personally, when on meeting him I asked him immediately without hesitation to sell me the property, after his shock had passed he said make me an offer.
He had no personal interest in the property I don’t think he even had any idea where it was, to him it was an asset he could dispose of without a second thought.
If I wanted to re-patriate this portrait and the owners (Chanel) didn’t know who I was, they probably don’t even realise they own it, I would play the same game again, and go directly to the top.
Good luck in your quest.