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Notes
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James Johnston was a flax merchant and Unionist politician who served as Lord Mayor during 1917 and 1918. James, the son of William Johnson of Killinchy Woods, County Down, was born on 29th November 1949. He came to Belfast in his teens to work in the flax trade and founded his own business selling flax and other textiles at 32 Donegall Street. Johnston entered the Belfast Corporation as a Councillor for Cromac ward in 1894. In 1898, he was returned as Councillor for St Anne’s ward and retained the seat until his retirement on grounds of health in 1922. Johnston served as Chairman of the Corporation’s Finance Committee and Chairman of the Electricity Committee. He was appointed High Sheriff in 1912 was knighted by Field Marshall Lord French, Viceroy of Ireland, in 1918.
An air raid during the night of 4th–5th May, 1941, destroyed the Great Hall of Belfast City Hall, together with a number of portraits of former Lord Mayors. This portrait was the only one which survived though damaged. Following City Hall's restoration in the 1950s it was decided instead of restoration it would be hung as an honoured relic of the tragic occasion for the City.
Title
Sir James Johnston, Lord Mayor of Belfast (1917 & 1918)
Date
1918
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 140 x W 111 cm (E)
Accession number
1918-002
Work type
Painting