Conservative Party Conference, Brighton 1982
- Artist: Paul Brason
- Date: 1982-1985
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 72 in. x 94 in. (1829 mm x 2388 mm)
- Portrays: (Richard Edward) Geoffrey Howe, Baron Howe of Aberavon, Cecil Edward Parkinson, Baron Parkinson, Ann Mary (née Jarvis), Lady Parkinson, Francis Leslie Pym, Baron Pym, Margaret Hilda Thatcher (née Roberts), Baroness Thatcher, Sir Denis Thatcher, 1st Bt
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Paul Brason’s “Conservative Party Conference, Brighton 1982” is a large oil painting created between 1982 and 1985. It shows Margaret Thatcher at the stage, her hand outstretched as she addresses an assembled audience during the Falklands war. Behind her, fellow party leaders—Cecil Parkinson, Francis Pym and others—watch attentively, their poses adding depth to the scene. Brason layers rich oils so the figures feel three‑dimensional, while a subtle light falls over the stage to highlight Thatcher’s face. The work was originally titled “The Falklands War Cabinet” and was commissioned by American collector Stanton D. Loring.
See it in person
Conservative Party Conference, Brighton 1982 is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
