This portrait of Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was painted shortly before his death. Born in Glasgow, Campbell-Bannerman entered politics in 1868 when he was the successful Liberal candidate for Stirling Burghs. From 1871 he held a number of important offices, including Financial Secretary to the War Office (1871-4), Chief Secretary for Ireland (1884-6) and Secretary for War under two Liberal governments (1886 and 1892-5). His prominent position within the party and his calm and reasonable manner led to his election as Liberal leader in the Commons in 1899. During the Boer War his denunciation of British conduct caused a national outrage, but throughout his final years in office as Prime Minister (1905-08) he proved an authoritative and progressive leader.