Sir John Major Portrait Sitting

Political Portrait Photography by Rory Lewis — Los Angeles • Washington DC • London • Worldwide

As an internationally recognised political portrait photographer, I am frequently commissioned by corporate organisations, government departments, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and world leaders for portrait sittings. My work capturing heads of state, senior officials, and influential global figures has taken me from Los Angeles and Washington DC to London, Brussels, and beyond.

Sir John Major Portrait Sitting (Rory Lewis Portrait Photographer Photographer 2017)

Among these distinguished commissions, few have been as meaningful as my portrait session with Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

A Portrait of a Statesman

In 2016, I reached out to Sir John to request a sitting. We initially planned to photograph in Autumn of that year, but the seismic events of Brexit—where Sir John played a prominent role as a vocal Remain campaigner—delayed the session. It wasn’t until July 2017 that our schedules aligned and the portrait could finally take place in London.

To prepare, I immersed myself in Sir John’s history and presence. I studied his earlier portrait by Yousuf Karsh, revisited his interviews, parliamentary debates, and read through his autobiography. My goal: to understand the man behind the office, the calm behind the political storm, and to approach the sitting with respect for his legacy.

Sir John Major Portrait Sitting (Rory Lewis Portrait Photographer Photographer 2017)

Capturing the Elder Statesman

My intention was to portray Sir John as a reflective elder statesman, a leader shaped by pivotal political moments. Throughout the session, Sir John spoke with candour about his premiership, offering invaluable insight into his experiences steering Britain through turmoil and transformation.

This portrait, like all my political commissions, forms part of my greater mission: to document the figures who shape our time. Sir John Major’s contribution to modern British history is undeniable, and photographing him felt akin to capturing living history.

A Career Defined by Historic Turning Points

Sir John Major rose to the premiership in 1990 following Margaret Thatcher’s resignation. His tenure guided Britain through the Gulf War, the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, and the landmark 1992 general election, in which the Conservatives achieved a record-breaking 14 million votes.

His time in office also saw significant challenges. The crisis of Black Wednesday forced Britain’s exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism and cast a long shadow over Conservative economic policy. Nevertheless, Major’s government laid important groundwork for the future, including essential early progress in what would become the Northern Ireland peace process.

Despite internal party conflict and political controversy, Major remained a resilient leader. In 1995, he famously challenged critics within his own party by resigning as Conservative leader and standing for re-election—an act of political courage that reaffirmed his authority. Ultimately, his premiership concluded following the Labour Party’s landslide victory in 1997.

Political Portrait Photographer — Available Worldwide

My portrait of Sir John Major stands as one of the most significant political sittings of my career. Today, I continue to work globally with:

• Prime Ministers

• Senators & Members of Congress

• Diplomats & Ambassadors

• Defence Leaders & Senior Military Officials

• CEOs, Policy Makers & Global Thinkers

Based in Los Angeles, working regularly in Washington DC, New York, and London, I accept political and governmental commissions worldwide.

If you require a political portrait photographer with a refined, cinematic, historically informed approach, I welcome enquiries from institutions, campaigns, embassies, and international organisations.

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UK Prime Minister Portfolio