Sub-Officer Henry E Shaw BEM, London Fire Service

Arthur Ralph Middleton Todd 1891 - 1966

Summary

Three-quarter length frontal portrait of Sub-Officer Henry E. Shaw, a member of the London Fire Service. He is shown in uniform and protective tin hat, seated with one hand resting on his thigh, the other leaning on a table to left, his head turned slightly to the right. He wears a matter-of-fact expression and looks rather casually to the right. The paintwork is loosely impressionistic, with textured layers of paint built up in naturalistic colours. This painting possibly works to emphasise and champion those who dedicated themselves to the safety of the British people during the war-time era.