BENGAL. A signed photograph of the Governor of Bengal in full dress,1930s

£1,150.00

The Right Hon. Sir John Anderson, G.C.I.E., Governor of Bengal. 

Handsome signed photographic portrait of the Governor of Bengal by Johnston & Hoffmann, Calcutta signed in pencil by them on the mount, the traditional way for photographers. The well toned 7¾ x 5½ ins portrait shows Sir John full length wearing formal high Indian political officer’s dress uniform with the mantle and insignia of a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire. It is signed in ink but the inscription is rather hard to read through the glass. It was clearly signed after being mounted as part of the inscription extends onto the first mount. The wooden frame has Sir John’s monogram in gilt metal applied to the arch of the wooden frame, which appears never to be have been openened since it was produced to judge by the screws. The frame measures 15 x 11 ins and there is some additional description on the reverse in ink, but again rather hard to read. The frame matches ones we have had of other Governors and one illustration shows it with one still in stock of Lord Brabourne, who succeeded Sir John in 1937. We are inclined to date this to around the period of Anderson’s appointment in March 1932 when he was made G.C.I.E. On leaving office in 1937 he was awaarded a G.C.S.I..   sep20/1

Sir John Anderson, P.C., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. [1882-1958] was a Scot, educated in Edinburgh & Leipzig, joining the Colonial Office in 1905. After his Indian careeer he served with distinction in Wibnston Churchill’s War Cabinet and was elevated to the Peerage as 1st Baron Waverley.

1 in stock