Margaret Thatcher's Portrait at 10 Downing Street: A History
The official portrait of Margaret Thatcher serves as more than just a piece of art; it is a symbol of political legacy and a point of contention within the halls of British power. Commissioned during a period of bipartisan gesture, the painting has occupied various spaces within 10 Downing Street, reflecting the changing atmospheres of the residents who inhabit the Prime Minister's official residence.
The Commission and Unveiling
The portrait was commissioned in 2007 by then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The offer was extended to Thatcher following a tea meeting at 10 Downing Street in September of that year. Funded by an anonymous donor, the artwork cost £100,000 in 2009.
Thatcher's inclusion in the residence's gallery was a significant honor. She became only the third prime minister to have a painted portrait on display at Number 10, joining the ranks of Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George.
The official unveiling took place on November 23, 2009. Thatcher was welcomed on the steps of Number 10 by Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, before the painting was presented at a private reception. Initially placed in the first-floor lobby vestibule, the portrait was eventually moved to the study, a space that subsequently became unofficially known as the Thatcher Room.
Other Versions and Market Value
While the official portrait remains at Number 10, other versions of Thatcher's likeness have appeared in the art market. In October 2022, an earlier version of the portrait from 2004 was sold at auction for £35,000. This specific piece had previously been part of the collection of Stuart Wheeler, a businessman and Conservative Party donor, and was displayed at his residence, Chilham Castle in Kent.
Recent Controversies and Relocation
The portrait returned to public attention in August 2024 through comments made by Tom Baldwin, biographer to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Baldwin reported a conversation in which Starmer described the portrait as "a bit unsettling with her staring down at you like that," and reportedly nodded when asked if he would "get rid of it."
Following public criticism, it was confirmed that the portrait had not been removed from the building but had been relocated to a first-floor meeting room. In a September 2024 interview with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Starmer clarified that the move was not motivated by a dislike of Thatcher. Instead, he stated that he prefers landscapes and did not want a portrait of any individual in his study.
Key Facts
- Commissioned: 2007 by Gordon Brown.
- Cost: £100,000 (funded by an anonymous donor).
- Historical Significance: Third PM to be displayed at Number 10, after Churchill and Lloyd George.
- Location History: Moved from the first-floor lobby to the study (the "Thatcher Room"), and later to a first-floor meeting room.
- Auction Value: A 2004 version sold for £35,000 in 2022.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Commissioning Prime Minister | Gordon Brown |
| Unveiling Date | November 23, 2009 |
| Funding Source | Anonymous Donor |
| Current Location | First-floor meeting room, 10 Downing Street |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who paid for Margaret Thatcher's portrait at Number 10?
The portrait cost £100,000 in 2009 and was funded by an anonymous donor.
Which other Prime Ministers have portraits at 10 Downing Street?
Before Margaret Thatcher, only Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George had painted portraits on display at the residence.
Why was the portrait moved from the study in 2024?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the move was because he prefers landscapes in his study rather than portraits of any person.
Was the portrait ever removed from 10 Downing Street?
No, despite reports and speculation, it was confirmed that the portrait remains at Number 10, having been moved to a first-floor meeting room.
Is there more than one portrait of Margaret Thatcher?
Yes, an earlier version from 2004 existed in the collection of Stuart Wheeler and was sold at auction in 2022 for £35,000.