Sir Harold Esmond Arnison Boldero (1889–1960) had a distinguished career which spanned both World Wars. After training at Oxford University and Middlesex Hospital Medical School, he served in France during the First World War as Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services. He returned to Middlesex as a major, and became an outstanding teacher and specialist in paediatrics. In 1934 Boldero became dean of the Hospital’s medical school, a post he held for 20 years. During the Second World War he was an officer in the Emergency Medical Service and helped organise the air-raid casualty services, while continuing to teach at Middlesex. In 1941 Boldero became treasurer of the Royal College of Physicians. The portrait was commissioned by the RCP and painted by Joyce Aris, the recommended copyist of the National Portrait Gallery, London.