On the third Sunday of June each year we celebrate Father’s Day and the important role which fathers play in our society. Although the day itself does not have a long tradition, originating at some point after the Second World War, it is now widely celebrated with many nations having an equivalent.

One of the best known and most widely loved poems in English is written in the form of paternal advice which continues to stand the test of time. The poem ‘If…’ by Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling was written for his son John in the study of Bateman’s, the house he fell in love with on first sight. The large Jacobean house, at the heart of the Sussex Weald, is now in the care of the National Trust and is preserved to look as if the Kiplings were still in residence.

Kipling had his portrait painted twice by the Hon. John Maler Collier. Both pictures can be seen by visitors to Bateman’s. Collier was an unconventional character. He was the son of Lord Monkswell and enjoyed a privileged upbringing which allowed him to develop his very apparent artistic talent. After his wife, Marian, the daughter of naturalist Sir Thomas Huxley, passed away he married her sister. This act forced them to elope to Norway as it was illegal in Britain at that time.  Collier earned a very respectable living from painting portraits of notable Victorians whilst his paintings of ambiguous domestic scenes, known as problem paintings, were for many years the stars of the Royal Academy exhibitions and featured regularly on the pages of the popular press.

This three quarter length portrait of Kipling shows a man who is at once relaxed yet attentive. His gaze is fixated on the viewer as if we have entered his private room for an audience and he is listening to our request. The portrait does not reveal any clues about Kipling. There are no books present, no desk, not even a pen in his hand. Kipling’s status as one of the greatest ever writers was by then assured and the artist does not detract from this with unnecessary symbolism.

This painting can be seen at Bateman’s, Bateman’s Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS. During the visitor season the house is open daily from 11:00 to 17:00.

Why you should see this painting:

This simple yet elegant portrait of Rudyard Kipling portrays him as the consummate father figure in the process of giving paternal guidance to those in need.

Image ©National Trust Images/John Hammond

First published in Sussex Life June 2017