Dr Robert G. W. Anderson (b.1944), Director of the British Museum (1992–2002)

© All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: The Trustees of the British Museum

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Notes

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This portrait was produced to mark Dr R. G. W. Anderson’s 10 years as Director of the British Museum (1992–2002). Dr Anderson is looking out of a window at the artist’s home and wears a tie with a pattern modelled on the design of the roof of the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court which was opened in 2000, a major achievement of his directorship. Prior to joining the Museum Dr Anderson, who trained as a chemist, worked at the Science Museum and was then Director of the National Museums of Scotland. His interest in scientific instruments is alluded to by the insertion of a section of a medieval English astrolabe from the Sloane collection on the window. The artist’s decision to create this unusual circular portrait was influenced by a recent display of coins and medals at the Museum and also by his work on a Jubilee five pound piece for the Royal Mint.

British Museum

London

Title

Dr Robert G. W. Anderson (b.1944), Director of the British Museum (1992–2002)

Date

2001/2002

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 77.8 x W 77.8 cm

Accession number

Painting.42

Acquisition method

commissioned by the Board of Trustees, 2001

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

DR ROBERT ANDERSON .. DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM . 1992 . 2002

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