Portrait Franklin D. Roosevelt Painting

Franklin D. Roosevelt Watercolour Portrait by Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953), Mid-20th Century, Signed and Inscribed Verso, British School

Description

A mid-20th century watercolour portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945), painted circa early 1940s by the Birmingham artist Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953).

The portrait depicts Roosevelt in a three-quarter bust, turned slightly toward the viewer, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and bow tie, with his characteristic pince-nez spectacles. The composition presents a composed and authoritative likeness, capturing the sitter’s calm expression and recognisable features.

Executed in watercolour on paper, the work employs controlled washes and a restrained palette typical of British portrait practice of the period.

Artist

Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953) was a Birmingham-based artist active in the early to mid-20th century. She resided at 14 Kingsleigh Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, as recorded on the reverse of this work.

She is documented in Birmingham museum and archival sources, and is known to have produced a number of watercolours. She donated work to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Heathfield Hall, 1938) and exhibited locally, including at Park House, Handsworth Park. Her work was later associated with the Handsworth Historical Society.

Historical Context

Painted during Roosevelt’s presidency (1933–1945), this portrait reflects his international prominence as a leading Allied figure during the Second World War. His image was widely recognised in Britain, where he was regarded alongside Winston Churchill as a central figure in the Allied leadership.

Signature and Inscriptions

Signed with initials “BB” to the front.

Fully inscribed verso with the artist’s name and address: 14 Kingsleigh Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham.

Also inscribed “President Franklin Delano Roosevelt” and bearing a period price notation “£10.0.0”.

Frame

Contained in a later gilt frame with double mount. Ready for display.

Dimensions

Frame: 41.5 cm high × 36 cm wide × 2 cm deep

Visible image: 20 cm high × 15 cm wide

Provenance

By the Birmingham artist Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953), as inscribed verso.

Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, 4 April 2026.

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Likely retained within a Birmingham provenance prior to entering the market.

Condition

Good overall condition.

Watercolour clean and stable.

Minor age-related toning.

Verso with historic tape marks and handling wear.

Frame with minor losses to corners but sound and suitable for display.

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