In 1895 Wood inaugurated the Queen’s Hall Promenade Concerts (later the Royal Albert Hall) and he remained in charge of proceedings until 1940.
From a local deceased estate the 18 by 14 1/2in (46.5 x 37cm) portrait, right, offered at Bonhams was by Sir Leslie Matthew Ward (1851-1922), otherwise known as “Spy”.
This pseudonym was used by Ward for his famous cartoons in Vanity Fair to which he started contributing in 1873.
The lithograph of this particular watercolour and bodycolour, which was signed Spy and inscribed to the verso with the year 1907, featured in Issue 1907 on April 17 1907.
Conservatively estimated at £300-400, the portrait, which was in good condition, fell after spirited bidding at £3500 to a dealer on the telephone.
Sir Henry’s timely bow
WITH the Proms season now upon us it seems fitting that a portrait of the founder of the famous concerts, Sir Henry Wood, topped the pictures on offer at Bonhams Oxford (17.5% buyer’s premium) on June 25.
