Politics, people and preservation are closely linked in the collection. the portraits cover a vast area - some officially commisions, 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.
Sir James Grigg was Secretary of State for war in the Coalition Administration during the Second World War. A civil servant who became a minister of Cabinet rank, he also later became a city magnate. Percy James Grigg or 'PJ' as he was widely known among his friends was essentially a brilliant administrator.
The painting is set in one of the principal offices of state in the Old War Office, where Grigg operated at the height of his powers. This portrait is also significant not only for the fact that it is the only one in existence of a War Office civil servant, but also that it is painted by Eric Kennington - a war artist who usually painted military portraits.