MILITARY LEADER PORTRAITS
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I’m thrilled to share my latest portrait commission from the British Army, featuring General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, who has served as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022. This marks my third portrait for the esteemed gallery of British Army leaders, joining my previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter.
In the intricate tapestry of British military history, certain figures stand out not only for their strategic prowess but also for their embodiment of tradition and ceremonial duty. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the 5th Chief of the Defence Staff, exemplifies this unique blend of modern leadership and timeless heritage.
In the illustrious world of military portraiture, Rory Lewis stands as the foremost photographer, specializing in capturing the essence of military personnel through his lens. Having previously photographed distinguished leaders like General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter, Rory embarked on another prestigious project – capturing the commanding presence of General Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff.
We are honored to share a remarkable milestone in military history as Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith's illustrious journey is commemorated through a captivating portrait captured by the esteemed Rory Lewis Photographer. A distinguished senior British Army officer, Lieutenant General Nesmith has paved the way for women in the military, achieving significant milestones throughout her esteemed career.
Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn is the 17th President of the National Defense University. As President of NDU, he oversees its five component colleges that offer graduate-level degrees and certifications in joint professional military education to more than 2,000 U.S. military officers, civilian government officials, international military officers and industry partners annually.
Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Logistics and Support in October 2019, and is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a cross-cutting, pan-Defence strategy for Support, a c£14-billion/annum enterprise covering every facet of Engineering and Logistic Support. Commissioned by The Queens Gurkha Engineers, I captured General Wardlaw at the London Studio. The final Portrait to hang in the Regimental Mess.
My latest Portrait commission from the British Army took place with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE Chief of the General Staff
Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch, KBE Portrait Sitting London Military Portrait Sitting London (Rory Lewis Photographer 2022)
It is very exciting to now be able to offer Military Portrait Sittings in New York and Los Angeles. Hearing about my portraiture Brigadier General Crissman arranged a sitting at the New York studio in Manhattan.
The Major-General commanding the Household Division commands the Household Division of the British Army. He is also General Officer Commanding London District. The Major- General has sole responsibility for the Service aspect of all State and ceremonial occasions within London District, having executive command of the Household Division.
Serving from the rank of Private Solider to Lieutenant General is a remarkable achievement. Upon watching the story of his career on a British Army Youtube video, I promptly invited Lieutenant General Lorimer to sit for a portrait at the London Studio.
Philippa took over as the Commanding Officer of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps) in July 2017. This appointment follows a career that started as an Army officer in the Royal Corps of Signals.
The Major-General commanding the Household Division commands the Household Division of the British Army. He is also General Officer Commanding London District. The Major- General has sole responsibility for the Service aspect of all State and ceremonial occasions within London District, having executive command of the Household Division.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through their fathers, Prince George, Duke of Kent, and King George VI. He has held the title of Duke of Kent for over 76 years.
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is the professional head of the British Armed Forces and the most senior uniformed military adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Prime Minister. The Chief of the Defence Staff is based at the Ministry of Defence and works alongside the Permanent Under Secretary, the Ministry’s senior civil servant. The Chief of the Defence Staff is the British equivalent position of what in NATO and the European Union is known as the Chief of Defence.
Delighted to work with Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE, who commissioned a military portrait sitting at his Headquarters in Aldershot. A tall and imposing man, Lieutenant General Bashall was a hero of the Iraq War. He commanded the 1st Mechanised Brigade in Basra, in 2007.
A recent portrait commission from The Royal Regiment of Scotland to capture Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO. The General posed in his uniform as Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD is a member of the British Royal Family. He is a paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, being a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary. His Royal Highness commissioned a portrait at the London Studio.
Outgoing Commander Lt Colonel Ridgway of The Royal Tank Regiment, commissioned a portrait to be placed on the regimental wall of former Commanding Officers. Visiting Regimental Headquarters with my portable kit, the Colonel posed in No.1 Dress. The portrait was indeed historic as it will hang next to all the former leaders of the Regiment for many years to come.
My latest Portrait commission from the British Army took place with General Sir Nick Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Chief of the General Staff. The General was in need of a portrait to be placed in the gallery of former Chiefs of the General Staff.
Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie GCB, LVO, OBE, DL was Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, from 1994 to 1997 and Chief of the Defence Staff from 1997 until his retirement in 2001.
Arriving at the barracks of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Aldershot, I was met by the Regimental Sergeant Major, a six foot three inch imposing soldier. It was an exciting prospect to work with the Regimental Commanding Officer.
Lt General Mark Poffley O.B.E very graciously accepted my invitation to sit for a portrait at the M.O.D London Headquarters in WhiteHall. Poffley was commissioned into the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in 1985.
Austrian General & Defence Attaché to UK, Brigadier Günter Eisl commissioned a portrait at the Austrian Embassy in London. I am no stranger to working with members of the British Armed forces; it was a nice change to photograph a soldier from the Austrian Military.
Retiring from the Army senior military leader Major General Tim Robinson CBE, commissioned a portrait at Army Head quarters in Andover. With a military career spanning two decades, seeing active service and leading troops in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland.
Lieutenant general Sir James Everard Commander Army Land Forces, graciously accepted my offer of a portrait sitting at Army Head Quarters in Andover.
Sir Stuart Peach is a veteran soldier who has amassed a staggering 38 years of service in the Royal Air Force, earning the rank Air Chief Marshal. Even though I’m a professional photographer, I will forever be a historian in my heart. Over the years, I have managed to hone my skills and discovered how to marry my passion with my profession.
Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.