Britannia

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Britannia is an ambitious, ongoing portrait series celebrating the unique heritage, identity, and diversity of modern Britain. The project seeks to honour the individuals who shape the nation—capturing the faces, stories, and spirit of those whose contributions define contemporary British life.

Spanning the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, Britannia brings together a remarkable cross-section of figures: soldiers and service members, poets and playwrights, politicians and public servants, scientists and innovators, artists, thinkers, and cultural trailblazers. Each portrait is a study in character and legacy, revealing the humanity, resilience, and individuality behind roles both historic and modern.

Through carefully crafted lighting, direction, and composition, the project aims to reflect both the ceremonial gravitas of Britain’s centuries-old institutions and the dynamic energy of the people who carry its traditions forward. Britannia is not merely a documentation of public roles—it is a celebration of the nation’s living identity, its changing face, and the extraordinary individuals who continue to shape its story.

Sittings

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Shortlisted — Portrait of Britain 2022
Shortlisted — Portrait of Britain 2022

A portrait by Rory Lewis of Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE has been shortlisted for Portrait of Britain 2022, presented by the British Journal of Photography.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols — Portrait Sitting, London
Cardinal Vincent Nichols — Portrait Sitting, London

In February 2022, I had the privilege of photographing Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the most senior figure of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. The portrait sitting took place on location at the Cardinal’s Palace, adjoining Westminster Cathedral—an environment rich in history, symbolism, and quiet authority.

Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet – Portrait Sitting
Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet – Portrait Sitting

Ugbana Oyet serves as the Serjeant at Arms of the House of Commons, a role steeped in centuries of parliamentary history. The office dates back to 1415, when the Serjeant was responsible for enforcing the orders of the House—including making arrests. Today, the role is defined by both authority and tradition, with ceremonial duties such as carrying the mace in the Speaker’s Procession and during the State Opening of Parliament.

Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE – Portrait Sitting
Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE – Portrait Sitting

Sarah Clarke OBE made history in November 2017 when she was appointed Black Rod—the first woman to hold the position in its more than 650-year history. She formally assumed her duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Parliament’s oldest offices.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Sitting
Sir Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Sitting

Throughout my career, I have been commissioned to photograph a wide range of political figures — from local councillors and Members of Parliament to peers of the House of Lords and former Prime Ministers. Yet this sitting was particularly meaningful, offering a chance to create work within one of the most iconic settings in British public life.

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Field Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond – Portrait Sitting
Field Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond – Portrait Sitting

On October 10, 2025, Rory Lewis welcomed Field Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond back to his London studio for a second portrait sitting, more than a decade after their first session in 2014. The portrait, part of Rory Lewis Non-Profit’s mission to document all living Field Marshals, captures Lord Houghton’s journey from active command to statesman. Commissioned into the Green Howards in 1974, Lord Houghton served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and as Chief of the Defence Staff before being promoted to Field Marshal in 2025. The portrait, rendered in Lewis’s signature chiaroscuro style, reflects leadership, wisdom, and legacy.

Major General James Bowder OBE – Portrait Sitting
Major General James Bowder OBE – Portrait Sitting

In October 2025, I had the honor of photographing Major General James Bowder OBE, the third consecutive Major-General of the Household Division I have captured for the Rory Lewis Non-Profit. Following my portraits of Major General Benjamin Bathurst CBE and Major General Chris Ghika CBE, this latest sitting continues an evolving visual record of those entrusted with upholding the highest traditions of the British Army and the Crown.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin – Portrait Sitting
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin – Portrait Sitting

The Rory Lewis Non-Profit is honored to have captured and preserved the legacy of Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the current Chief of the Defence Staff, marking him as the fifth Chief of the Defence Staff photographed by Rory Lewis. This portrait continues the Non-Profit’s mission to document and celebrate the leadership and service of Britain’s most distinguished military figures.

Major General Benjamin Bathurst CBE
Major General Benjamin Bathurst CBE

Our 2019 sitting with Major General Benjamin Bathurst CBE of the Welsh Guards took place at Horse Guards, London, within the historic office once occupied by the Duke of Wellington. Seated behind the very desk that once belonged to the “Iron Duke,” Bathurst joined a long line of leaders who have shaped the ceremonial face of Britain’s Armed Forces.

A Portrait of Duty: H.R.H. The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal
A Portrait of Duty: H.R.H. The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal

In 2018, I had the rare honour of photographing His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, in a portrait sitting that captured not only royal stature, but a lifetime of military service. Dressed in his ceremonial uniform as Field Marshal, His Royal Highness stood as a living symbol of dedication, discipline, and enduring legacy within the British Armed Forces.