Politics, people and preservation are closely linked in the collection. the portraits cover a vast area - some officially commissions, some presented or bequeathed - including politicians, military and naval commanders, and other people associated with the process of defending the United Kingdom over four hundred years.
The MOD Art Collection includes several hundred portraits of varying finesse and interest. All, even those of a lesser artistic technique and political sophistication, are cherished and hung in locations appropriate to their subjects.
The post of Admiralty Secretary was extremely influential in British politics, especially during the 19th century. Croker, of Irish birth, became Chief Secretary for Ireland and, after a series of political coups which assisted the Government, was offered the Admiralty Secretary's job.
In this capacity he presided over a number of administrative reforms. He is particularly popular with the Art Collection team because he was one of our greatest benefactors, bequeathing his considerable art collection to the Admiralty.
Thomas Lawrence was one of England's greatest portrait painters and his friendship with the sitter is apparent in this sensitive work. This portrait hangs in the Dining Room of Admiralty House, Whitehall.