24th April – A new portrait of Tony Blair, by Phil Hale, has been revealed. It has more depth than the Yeo portrait, and shows the full stress of office. It is NOT, as with the one below, focused on his war legacy.
In Flanders Fields
“IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row …”
PORTRAIT OF A PRIME MINISTER
HERO? WAR CRIMINAL? GREAT REFORMER? LIAR? VISIONARY? WARMONGER? INTERNATIONALIST FREEDOM FIGHTER? WEAK? STRONG? REPENTANT? PRINCIPLED? TRAITOR? PATRIOT? DISSEMBLER? GULLIBLE? LOYAL? VILLAIN? PEACE MAKER?
There are more conflicting verbal descriptions of Tony Blair the Man than there are colours in the blue/green painting by Jonathan Yeo, son of Conservative MP, Tim Yeo.
Jonathan Yeo says: “Love him or hate him, Blair is an international icon and it’s fantastic to have had the chance to capture him now because he is a figure who will be polarising opinions for generations to come.”
SO – RUBBISH OR AN ACCURATE PORTRAYAL? WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should I go on at all here? Does it matter what I or others think?
I’d have thought that Mr Blair is happy with it, or he would not have allowed its continuance and completion. Surely there is an opt-out or a re-starting of the whole enterprise if one thinks that it is not giving out the desired message? On the other hand, Mr Yeo says that Mr Blair does NOT know that the portrait will be hung opposite one of Margaret Thatcher in Lincoln’s Inn. So perhaps he had no control over the final result or what was done with it; but I doubt it.
That leads me to think that this portrait of a careworn, drawn, reflective, sallow complexioned and respectful former prime minister (the only premier never to have had a portrait painted whilst still in office – showing a lack of vanity, I’d have thought) is just what the sitter wanted. He has his own reasons.
But just for the record -
MY THOUGHTS on the Portrait:
Well, I’m ambivalent, but here goes, if you’re interested.
Four points – well, six actually, but two of them concern the artist and/or the report.
1. The colour & the artistic quality
Despite the overdone bluey-greeness, technically, it’s good, apart from being slightly off-centre. I can’t see the point in that. We HAD noticed the poppy!
The blueness in the portrait suggests sadness or remorse. It also alludes to Conservatism in the UK (with a capital ‘C’ as in the Conservative party). Interesting given the family, and presumably political background of the artist.
But Blair’s blue eyes, often considered his strongest and most captivating feature – well … why aren’t THEY blue? They’re fairly nondescript in the painting. The usual Blair sparkle is missing, but perhaps that is to be expected in such a solemn portrait.
2. The poppy
The poppy is central to this portrait and of great significance, and not just to the artist. Tony Blair knows its relevance. Wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day and then being lambasted as a ‘warmonger’ by the feeble-minded, shows how much he has fallen short in the ‘education, education, education’ hopes. He has ALWAYS described our troops as “the bravest and the best”. Oh, that I could say the same about many of my fellow-countrymen.
3. The emotional & political context
The portrait has a certain intensity. Mr Blair is serious, reflective, thoughtful, even sad. It portrays the conflicts and the enormity of decision-making at that level as regards war.
4. The lasting impression of an historical British leader
It is a good likeness but is hardly flattering.
It certainly portrays his age, 54, although he invariably looks younger when he smiles – which he does often. There is something of the essence of Blair missing; the eternal optimism, the peter pan element.
In 1997 he looked ten years younger than his 43 years. Today, he looks his age, which means he has aged twice as fast as most of us! I wonder why? In the portrait, I think he looks five years older than his years, despite leaping around at sittings like “Tigger”, according to Yeo.
It alludes only to his war history. THAT in my humble opinion, will not be his strongest or longest lasting legacy, despite present opinion.
The Blair smile is his trademark.
And these thoughts on the artist’s comments (as reported, if accurate)
5. Tory Trouble-Making?
There may be some significance in the fact that this blue painting of a seemingly less than ‘at ease leader’ was done by a Conservative. But Yeo’s remarks on Mr Blair’s jovial moods as he bounced into his sittings beg some questions. Saying that he never discloses private conversation, and yet hinting that he thought Blair was basking in some schadenfreude over Brown’s present predicament, is hardly ‘remaining confidential’. Trouble making?
6. Tory Inaccuracies (just for a change)
And if the artist used THIS phrase, he is factually incorrect:
“The fact is that there is no escaping what he’s going to be remembered for,” Yeo told Reuters. “By far the most controversial (thing) will be the wars that he started.”
Blair did not “start” any of the wars he has been involved in. True, he allied with the Americans in Afghanistan & Iraq, but let’s not forget who initiated them and called upon their allies for support. (Note: I am saying that, not him. I’ve never heard him try to evade responsibility and I don’t believe he ever will. But we should still remember that.)
And as for Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and at home in Northern Ireland, he FINISHED wars, he didn’t start them.
PICTURES FOR COMPARISONThis picture below was taken last May, a month before he left office. Here, he looks five years younger than his age.
Below: September 2007
Below: November 2006
In the portrait the years and responsibilities of office have clearly taken their toll. (It’s a pity this “vain” man did not have portraits done when he looked at his best – say 5- 10 years ago.) Another retrospective “portrait” worked from the mass of pictures of this most photographed of today’s politicians is surely not beyond artistic imagination? It would not be a portrait in the true sense, but we need to be reminded, by the artist’s hand, of the hope, excitement and attraction of the early Blair too.
A WAR LEADER
It is clearly a painting of a ‘war leader’, thus the poppy.
But Tony Blair is no innocent as regards the power of inferences. He must have known how it would be interpreted by some. He could have removed the poppy and said, “Oh, no. None of that.” He didn’t. So we have to assume that he has come to terms with the war PM title, and is ready to cope with it. Or even, that he is proud of it.
And he may be right. A later portrait might show different emotions. Blair probably regrets much about Iraq. How could he do other? But history is not yet written of this ongoing situation.
Joanthan Yeo , 37, has painted portraits of other prominent public figures, including Prince Philip, actor Dennis Hopper and tycoon Rupert Murdoch.
Guardian’s report on the Blair portrait
FIGHTING TERRORISM – Blair in Canada
In Toronto on Thursday Tony Blair said that economic chaos and international terrorism are growing threats in the 21st Century.
“The challenges are clear and profound,” he added, as he urged Canada not to flinch in its fight against Islamic radicals in Afghanistan.
“We have to stand up and fight for our values as though they were at risk – and they are,” he said.
Describing himself as a “fully paid-up fan of Canada,” Blair praised Canadian soldiers who are fighting alongside British troops in southern Afghanistan and said they are serving “as noble a cause as I can think of.”
Groups such as the Taliban thrive on carnage and terror, Blair said, and they will take any sign of weakness as a victory.
“We have to make the Taliban understand that our determination exceeds theirs,” he said.
International terrorism, which came to dominate his final years in power, is a danger that will grow both more complex and more intense, Blair predicted.
“I wish I could stand before you and say I’m more optimistic,” he said. “I can’t. I am optimistic we will prevail in the end, but the challenges facing us are immense.”
Blair urges NATO unity amid Afghan friction
And this report by Jonathan Spicer
TORONTO, Jan 17 (Reuters) – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Thursday that NATO must challenge its enemies in Afghanistan firmly and in a united way, despite recent reports of friction among Western countries.
Blair urged an audience in Canada — which is deeply split on its combat role battling Taliban militants in Afghanistan — that it and other NATO members “have got to take a decision on this global fight on terrorism.”
“Our determination to fight can’t be in inverse relationship to theirs,” he said.
Blair’s comments come just days after Canada’s death toll in southern Afghanistan rose to 77, and amid reports of discontent between the United States and its NATO allies.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was quoted on Wednesday in a U.S. newspaper criticizing NATO’s counterinsurgency abilities. But Washington moved quickly to smooth any ruffled allied feathers.
Gates called Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay to say the Los Angeles Times took his quotes out of context, and on Thursday he denied friction among members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Blair, who was prime minister when Britain sent troops into Afghanistan, was asked for some good news about the mission which many Canadians believe saddles Canada with a disproportionate amount of the combat burden.
“I know it’s very uncomfortable to engage our armed forces … but whatever your politics you should be immensely proud of the Canadian troops,” Blair told the audience in Toronto.
The Canadian portion of the mission is based in the volatile region of southern Afghanistan around Kandahar, and the report quoting Gates was met with surprise.
A poll this week showed 47 percent of Canadians want the troops brought back from Afghanistan as soon as possible. It also showed 17 percent want troops to continue in their combat role, and 31 percent said the forces should remain in Kandahar but turn over the combat role to another NATO country.
“For all their feudal ideology, they are actually quite sharp on how … our media works,” Blair said of Taliban militants. “They know the impact a vision of carnage has on our television screens.
“Our enemy thinks they can outlast us.”
Blair, who is now acting as a peace envoy to the Middle East, stoked speculation late last week that he would run to be the first president of the European Union by praising the bloc in a speech in France.
When Frank McKenna, the former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, asked Blair on Thursday whether he would consider the job, Blair said: “I’m happy doing what I’m doing.” (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; editing by Rob Wilson)
Brown in China – TRADE BALANCING
TRADE BALANCING – Brown in China
No mention of human rights while in China, the country which executes more than ALL other nations put together. No cosy chats about extending democracy. Blair, for all the criticism he gets, DID discuss human rights with the Chinese two years ago on his last visit.
Is Brown’s finance background influencing this approach – the “it’s the economy, sweetie” mantra? If so, is he wise to remind the Chinese that UK plc, and not the Americans, nor much of the rest of the world, is open to easy take-over of our high flying companies? Is this the way to win friends and influence people?
And anyway, why this determined push for China to know that Britain, the least regulated of all western states, is open for THEIR business? Didn’t they know that already, Mr GB/PM? I did. I just bought several Chinese produced items (garden gloves, electrical items, household odds and ends – all ‘Made in China’) at The Pound Shop. A great find, if you want to save a quid or two in these pre-recession days. In Woolworths the same items would have cost me ten times as much. And in the large national stores, well …
Hmm … mm
So just where IS the quid pro quo in this? What do we get for our converted Renminbi (People’s Currency)?
THE MILIHUB BANDWAGON – Is he playing a dangerous game? (See BBC report – the rise & rise of the MiliHub?)
Foreign Secretary David Miliband is to warn Labour it needs to show it is excited, not exhausted, by the prospect of a fourth term in government.
He will also signal a break with Tony Blair’s leadership by saying Britain is not a bridge between Europe and the US.
Instead, he will say, it can act as a “global hub”, linking world “networks”.
BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said Mr Miliband appeared to be acknowledging how hard it is for Labour under Gordon Brown to present fresh appeal to the public.
My thoughts: Yes. We’d noticed.
Blair Everywhere Else
It’s hard to keep track of the motorboat, especially when one is weaning oneself off the addiction. But, I was thinking the other day of the map of the world, circa 1950’s. Much of it was coloured pink to show the extent of the British empire. But Blair’s map of his little world is looking somewhat similarly shaded these days.
He went to China before Christmas
Much of the Middle East before and after Christmas
France last week
USA & Canada too
And now he has agreed to take on an unpaid role in yet another continent, Africa. He has agreed to act as an adviser to Rwanda’s Government.
Excerpt: “Tony Blair is widening his post-premiership portfolio by becoming an unpaid adviser to the Rwandan government of President Kagame.”
He needs to get into the bottling business. How to cram 48 hours into 24. I’ll buy some of that.
He reminds me at times of the breadth and depth of the British Empire, even within many of our lifetimes.
Not that I’m advocating colonialism again. It’s bad enough trying to keep native natives happy, without upsetting too many others. See original page here.
But these days we, and the driven or ambitious politician, can get around the world in the flash of a jumbo jet. Especially if we’re not tied down at home by the ungrateful grumblers.
Have you ever read any of the Spoof articles? Some of them are quite funny, some not so. And when I received this article with the headline, “Government renames Islamic terrorism as ‘anti-Islamic activity’ to woo Muslims”, I just assumed it was another Spoof post.
Government renames Islamic terrorism as ‘anti-Islamic activity’ to woo Muslims
By JAMES SLACK – 17th January 2008
Ministers have adopted a new language for declarations on Islamic terrorism. In future, fanatics and fundamentalists (My note: particularly of the Islamist type), will be referred to as “pursuing anti-Islamic activity”.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said that extremists were behaving contrary to their faith, rather than acting in the name of Islam.
Security officials believe that directly linking terrorism to Islam is inflammatory, and risks alienating mainstream Muslim opinion.
What?! WHAT?!!
Are they MAD?
Sunday, 20th January: I heard Jonathan Yeo this morning on Radio 4 talking about THAT painting. He said something to the effect that Blair charms people with his very clever way of making them think that they are in his circle, whilst not actually saying much. Whereas, Mr Yeo points out, Cameron is “much more open” and says certain things, after which he will say, “Oh, I shouldn’t have said that”.
Not making any party/leader political points here, are we Mr Yeo? Honest (naive?) Dave V Something Else?
Well, personally in this world of trickery and subterfuge versus getting results c/w TALKING about it, give me the Something Else anytime.
21st January: This blog asks “why” too.
BBC website report on the portrait.
Tags: 1. Tony Blair, Blair portrait, Brown (Gordon Brown & his Labour Government, from June 2007), china, David Miliband, Foreign Secretary in Gordon Brown's government, from June 2007, Jonathan Yeo & Phil Hale: Portraits of Tony Blair, painting Tony Blair, Phil Hale artist, poppy, portrait, prime minister, Rwanda
January 23, 2008 at 3:39 pm |
The message, Santha?
I think it’s simple, from HIS point of view.
HE CARES.
He cares about the fact that many of our “bravest and best” died fighting for this cause, in which he still believes. He doesn’t accept that they died in vain.
The poppy links to his feelings of “responsibility” for soldiers’ deaths in Iraq.
He cares too about the fact that many thousands of innocent Iraqis died (although mainly at the hands of their own). The argument that we fomented the situation has to have some grounds, though he would argue back that thousands more would have died at Saddam’s hands if we’d walked away. Remember that Saddam had already killed thousands of innocent people in the 20 years prior, some using WMDs. He has said that that “responsibility” too will be with him for the rest of his life.
He also cares about the fact that people question his motives and integrity. Although he is THE BEST at verbal and emotional communication, many are still not convinced that he did what he thought was “right for our country”.
Perhaps a picture really does paint a thousand words.
But I do understand your irritation. Me too from the viewpoint that none of his natural warmth and breadth of character is shown.
That side of him wasn’t meant to be shown, or he’d have been smiling, since his more recognisable demeanour is that of a smiling, confident, optimistic man.
This painting is clearly not meant to portray that side of him.
So unless Mr Blair actually TELLS us what he thinks of it, we’ll have to just interpret what it means. That’s what art is all about.
He clearly recognises that Iraq is, for good or ill, going to be part of his legacy.
Yes, the quote you include above about his sitting for a Tory is a good one. I think I made a link to it from this page.
The red on the blue? Well, at least he wasn’t holding the poppy in his hand!
Time for another artist to step up to the mark? No, not yet. Wait until he manages to help resolve the Middle East conflicts, or brings the EU into its rightful place in world politics, or helps the world to make progress on climate issues.
That portrait, if it’s ever done, might have a halo floating above it!
April 26, 2008 at 12:32 am |
[...] think that this portrayal of Blair has much more depth than the Jonathan Yeo painting – that off-centred work, with the poppy in his buttonhole; its undertones were all of Iraq. This [...]