General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Portrait Sitting

General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Portrait Sitting . (Rory Lewis Photographer) London 2019

My latest Portrait commission from the British Army took place with General Sir Nick Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Chief of the General Staff. He served as commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, Royal Green Jackets in which role he was deployed to Bosnia in 1998 and Kosovo in 1999. After service in Afghanistan, he took command of 20th Armoured Brigade in 2004 and commanded British forces in Basra. He was subsequently appointed General Officer Commanding 6th Division, which was deployed to Afghanistan with Carter as Commander ISAFRegional Command South, before he became Director-General Land Warfare. After that he became Deputy Commander Land Forces in which role he was the main architect of the Army 2020 concept. After a tour as Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force, he assumed the position of Commander Land Forces in November 2013. In September 2014, he became head of the British Army as Chief of the General Staff succeeding General Sir Peter Wall. 

General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Portrait Sitting . (Rory Lewis Photographer) London 2019

General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Portrait Sitting

The General was in need of a portrait to be placed in the gallery of former Chiefs of the General Staff. Leaving the office for a new position, it is the tradition of the incumbent to place a signed portrait. The sitting was indeed very historical as the portrait will be viewed by the General’s successors for many years to come.

Upon examination of the gallery, legends such as Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery and even Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie who I captured in 2017 are amongst those who have occupied the Office.

General Carter hasn’t sat often for portraits, not being a vain Military Officer obsessed with his official appearance. With this is mind, my aim was to capture the General as a leader, no vanity or the pomp of the dress uniform. Photographing expressions in a solemn and yet dutiful style; enabled me to reflect the seriousness of the General’s office. I’m looking forward to seeing how the portrait is received by the Army and general public. It is indeed an honour to have a portrait hanging in such a historical setting.