the collector's folio

Sir John Lavery Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Sir John Lavery our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Sir John Lavery · 1856 – 1941

Opening of the Lord Duveen Annexe to the National Portrait Gallery

1933 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Admire Sir John Lavery's masterful depiction of the Lord Duveen Annexe opening at the National Portrait Gallery, capturing a pivotal moment in British art history with vibrant colors and meticulous detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Dutch Coffee House, Glasgow International Exhibition

1888 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Admire 'The Dutch Coffee House' by Sir John Lavery! This 1888 oil painting captures a cozy Glasgow scene. A stunning reproduction for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Stephen Alley

1890 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

This captivating portrait by Sir John Lavery portrays Stephen Alley with masterful realism and subtle Impressionistic touches, capturing the quiet dignity of Victorian Britain. Explore Lavery's signature style – blending academic precision with emotive brushstrokes—in this evocative study.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Opening of the Modern Foreign and Sargent Galleries at the Tate Gallery, 26 June 1926

1929 · Tate Gallery, London

Experience the elegance of Edwardian London with Sir John Lavery's stunning depiction of the Tate Gallery opening ceremony – a masterpiece capturing social grandeur and artistic sophistication.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Eileen, Her First Communion

1901

Sir John Lavery's "Eileen, Her First Communion" (1901) captures a timeless portrait of innocence and grace through delicate brushstrokes, showcasing the artist’s mastery during the Edwardian era – discover this exquisite hand-painted reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Quiet Day in the Studio

1883 · Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Step into a serene world with Sir John Lavery's 'A Quiet Day in the Studio.' This captivating portrait captures a moment of peaceful contemplation, rich with detail and warmth – a glimpse into Edwardian society.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Right Honourable J. Ramsay Macdonald Addressing the House of Commons

1923 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Witness history! Sir John Lavery's 'Macdonald Addressing Commons' captures Ramsay Macdonald's pivotal speech in the House of Commons, 1923. A masterpiece of realism and political significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$105028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Elswick, 1917 Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth Company

1919 · Imperial War Museum, London

Sir John Lavery’s ‘Elswick, 1917’ captures the industrious spirit of women at work during WWI in a striking black and white portrait, showcasing his mastery and offering a timeless glimpse into wartime society. Discover this iconic artwork and bring it home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Cap d'Ail

Sir John Lavery’s Impressionistic Cap d'Ail captures a tranquil seaside scene of leisure and relaxation in a bygone era, showcasing the artist’s masterful portraiture style – perfect for adding timeless beauty to your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

A Rally

1885 · Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Sir John Lavery's "A Rally" captures a lively tennis match with vibrant colors and dynamic figures – a quintessential example of Edwardian society portraiture.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20031 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The End (also known as Admiral Beatty Reading the Terms of the Surrender of the German Navy)

View the most popular artwork of Sir John Lavery ranked #11: The End (also known as Admiral Beatty Reading the Terms of the Surrender of the German Navy)

1918 · Imperial War Museum, London

Sir John Lavery’s "The End" captures Admiral Beatty's resolute face amidst the tension of the German Navy surrender (1918). A monochrome masterpiece, it reflects a pivotal moment in WWI history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Guns, HMS 'Terror'

1918 · Imperial War Museum, London

Massive cannons dominate this powerful Impressionistic oil painting by Sir John Lavery that captures the naval resolve of HMS Terror during World War I, inviting you to explore this emblem of maritime courage.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20033 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

High Treason Trial of Roger Casement

1916 · Government Art Collection, London

Sir John Lavery’s *High Treason: The Trial of Roger Casement,* painted in 1916, portrays the final day of Casement's appeal against his treason conviction before five judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in London. Commissioned by Lord Charles Darling, whose portrait Lavery had previously completed, the painting captures a pivotal moment in Irish history and legal proceedings. Detailed research

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20039 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Interior A Lady

Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds

A serene interior portrait by Sir John Lavery captures a woman seated gracefully near a window overlooking a tranquil landscape, embodying late Victorian Impressionism's focus on light and emotion.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20023 × 44 cm Commission this artwork

T. G. Arthur

1890 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Admire Sir John Lavery's 'T. G. Arthur,' a striking portrait capturing the distinguished figure of a military officer. Experience the elegance and authority conveyed through masterful brushstrokes and a captivating composition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20026 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Ramsay MacDonald

1931 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Influenced by Whistler, Lavery captured the essence of Edwardian society and wartime scenes.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Sir James Watson Stewart, Lord Provost of Glasgow

1921 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Admire Sir James Watson Stewart, Lord Provost of Glasgow, captured in a striking portrait by John Lavery (1921). Explore the life and legacy of this influential figure through this captivating artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Lionel Henry Cust

1912 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Explore Sir John Lavery’s 1912 portrait of Sir Lionel Henry Cust – a striking oil painting showcasing expressive realism & rich textures. Discover this elegant piece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20026 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Man

1889 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Sir John Lavery's 'Portrait of a Man' captures a stern yet intriguing figure with meticulous detail and subtle light. Explore the painting’s history, style & Lavery’s masterful technique.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20026 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

A Naval Gun in the Hydraulic Press Elswick Works, Newcastle upon Tyne

1917 · Imperial War Museum, London

Sir John Lavery’s ‘A Naval Gun…’ captures Newcastle’s industrial spirit in a dynamic oil painting. Explore its textured brushwork, dramatic lighting & evocative depiction of forging – a unique Post-Impressionist piece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Potter at Work

1888 · Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

A serene portrait by John Lavery depicting a man absorbed in reading amidst decorative vases and utensils, embodying the understated elegance of Edwardian Impressionism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20034 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Entrance, Dover Harbour, 1918

1918 · Imperial War Museum, London

Experience the evocative Impressionist painting "The Entrance, Dover Harbour, 1918" by Sir John Lavery! Capturing wartime life and coastal beauty, this masterpiece showcases vibrant colors & brushstrokes.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman

The artwork is a portrait of a young woman executed in Impressionistic style. It showcases loose brushstrokes, muted blues and browns, soft edges, and circular shapes to convey elegance and contemplation. Artwork Details This JSON response provides detailed information about the artwork "Portrait of a Young Woman" by Sir John Lavery. It encompasses biographical details about the artist, stylisti

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20032 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Leith

1917 · Imperial War Museum, London

Sir John Lavery's 'Leith' captures the bustling wartime harbor scene with muted colors and atmospheric brushstrokes, reflecting industrial activity & somber mood.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Woman Painting a Pot at the Glasgow International Exhibition

1888 · Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Discover "Woman Painting a Pot" by Sir John Lavery – a captivating portrait reflecting Glasgow’s artistic spirit of 1888. Explore Impressionistic detail, symbolic artistry & the legacy of the Glasgow School in this masterful oil painting reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 610 artworks by Sir John Lavery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20034 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Sir John Lavery

1856 – 1941

Quick facts

Art period19th Century
Corpus themeswhistler's influence, social commentary, irish identity, victorian society, whistler influence
Died1941
Gift suitabilityanniversary, corporate gift
Color intensitybalanced, monochromatic
Topics exploredvictorian era, portraiture, portrait, impressionism, irish art
Room fitliving room
Copyright statusPublic domain

Biography

Early Life, Family and Training

Sir John Lavery was born in inner North Belfast on 20 March 1856. He was the son of Henry Lavery and Margaret Lavery, née Donnelly. His childhood was marked by a sudden and heavy loss when his father, Henry, drowned in April 1859. The accident occurred during the sinking of the packet ship Pomona off the coast of Co. Wexford, Ireland, while the vessel was en route to New York. This tragedy left the young boy to be raised in the wake of such a sudden departure.

His path toward art began in Scotland. During the 1870s, he attended the Haldane Academy in Glasgow, where he first began to develop his technical skills. This training provided the foundation for a life spent observing the world through a lens of light and form. After his time in Glasgow, he moved to London to study at Heatherley's School. This period of study was followed by a move to the heart of European art, where he spent time at the Académie Julian in Paris during the early 1880s. These years of formal instruction in different cities helped shape the way he would eventually approach his subjects.

A Career in Glasgow and London

After his early training, Lavery found himself deeply connected to the artistic energy of Scotland. He became associated with the Glasgow School and the Glasgow Boys, groups that were shaping the direction of art in the region. During this time, he worked as a photographer's assistant, a job that helped him develop a practical understanding of how light interacts with a subject. This period of his life was defined by a growing reputation and a steady connection to the creative circles of Glasgow.

A significant shift occurred in 1888 when he received a major commission to paint Queen Victoria's state visit to the Glasgow International Exhibition. This task changed the course of his professional life. The success of the commission made him a sought-after painter for high society, and he moved to London shortly after. In the capital, his ability to capture the people of the upper classes helped him secure a place among the most prominent artists of the era.

Patrons, Commissions and Notable Subjects

Success in the art world often depends on the people who believe in a painter's vision. For Lavery, this support came from influential figures like William Burrell, a wealthy shipowner who became a faithful patron of Scottish artists. This connection helped sustain his career as he moved through the social circles of London. His ability to capture the likeness of the era's most powerful figures led him to paint men who shaped history, including Winston Churchill, H. H. Asquith, and Lord Derby. He also painted political leaders such as John Redmond and Edward Carson, documenting the faces of a changing political landscape.

His relationship with the Asquith family allowed him to move within their private, privileged world, providing a glimpse into the lives of the political elite. Beyond these public figures, his most constant subject was his wife, Hazel. He painted her in more than 400 works, capturing her presence throughout many years of his life. This deep familiarity with his sitter allowed for a level of intimacy that few other subjects received.

When the First World War broke out, his role shifted from the drawing rooms of the upper class to the official documentation of a nation in conflict. He was appointed an official war artist, a commission that tasked him with recording the realities of the war effort. While his health and a serious accident prevented him from reaching the front lines, he focused his attention on the logistical and technological aspects of the war within Britain.

The Right Honourable William Kenrick (1907)
Lady Firth (1910)
Hazel in black and gold (1911)
Sir Lionel Henry Cust (1912)
The Wounded at Dover (1918)

Technique and Artistic Style

Lavery’s brushwork reveals a man deeply attuned to the shifting qualities of light and color. His approach was shaped by the French en plein air movement, a practice that encouraged artists to step out of the studio and face the elements directly. This connection to the natural world allowed him to capture the immediate, fleeting effects of atmosphere. He was particularly influenced by James McNeill Whistler, adopting a sense of tonal harmony that brought a refined, quiet elegance to his compositions. Rather than following a single school of thought, he found a way to weave together the broken color of Impressionism and the structural sensibilities of Post-Impressionism into a style that was entirely his own.

While his technical skill was evident in his landscapes, his true strength lay in his ability to look past a sitter's social standing to find their actual character. He did not merely record a face; he sought to interpret the person within. This psychological depth made him a favorite among the elite, as he could balance a sense of modern life with a meticulous attention to detail. His portraits often feel lived-in, capturing a specific moment of personality rather than a stiff, formal pose. Whether painting a quiet interior or a bustling social scene, he maintained a focus on how light defines the human form and the space around it.

A Visitor
Hazel in black and gold
The Artist's Studio: Lady Lavery with her Daughter Alice and Step-Daughter Eileen

Wartime Depictions and Later Years

The outbreak of the First World War brought a shift in Lavery's focus. He was appointed as an official war artist, tasked with documenting the realities of the conflict. While his health and a serious car accident prevented him from serving on the Western Front, he found ways to record the era's massive logistical and technological shifts. He turned his attention to the home front, capturing the atmosphere of life in Britain during the struggle. His work from this period includes depictions of aeroplanes, airships, and the movement of ships, offering a perspective on the war that focused on the machinery and the people supporting the effort.

His interest in the sea was particularly evident in his naval pictures. He spent time painting the fleet at Scapa Flow, documenting the presence of the navy in those waters. These works provided a record of the naval strength and the quiet, heavy presence of the fleet during such a turbulent time. Even as he navigated the complexities of the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War through his social connections and his home, his brush remained focused on the changing world around him.

In his final years, Lavery lived away from the busy social circles of London. He passed away on 10 January 1941 at Rossenarra House in Kilmoganny, County Kilkenny. He was interred in Putney Vale Cemetery.

Legacy and National Significance

By the time of his death, Lavery had become a central figure in the British art scene. His standing was cemented through formal recognition, including his election to the Royal Academy and a knighthood in 1921. These honors reflected a career that had moved from the studios of Glasgow and Paris to the very heart of London's social and political circles.

His connection to his roots remained a quiet but powerful force throughout his life. This was most visibly seen in his influence on Irish identity; an allegorical figure of Ireland, which he had painted, appeared on Irish banknotes from 1928 until 1975. It is a rare thing for an artist's vision to move from the canvas into the pockets of a nation, becoming a part of the everyday landscape of a country.

His influence can still be traced through the collections that hold his work, from the National Portrait Gallery in London to the galleries in Glasgow and Edinburgh. His ability to document the shifting faces of his era ensures his place in the history of the period.

Where to See the Works Today

Finding his paintings today often means visiting the institutions that helped shape his career. In London, the National Portrait Gallery holds several of his studies and portraits, capturing the faces of the people who moved through his social circles. The Imperial War Museum also preserves his perspective on the conflict, keeping his depictions of the home front and naval scenes within its collections.

His connection to Scotland remains visible through the collections in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum houses many of his early works, including pieces from his time with the Glasgow School. In Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery holds works that reflect his technical skill and his ability to handle light. You can also find his paintings in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which provides a glimpse into the breadth of his output.

A Quiet Day in the Studio (1883)
The Dutch Coffee House (1888)
Lady Lavery (1922)
Ramsay MacDonald (1931)

Questions & Answers

What colors did Sir John Lavery use most often?

Sir John Lavery's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

How do I find works by Sir John Lavery on a specific theme?

Sir John Lavery's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

In which movements did Sir John Lavery work?

The movements Sir John Lavery worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.

By the OriginalUniqueArt.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 14, 2026

Collector's quiz

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