George Robert Canning Harris, 4th Baron Harris
- Artist: George William Beldam
- Artist: Albert Chevallier Tayler
- Date: 1905
- Medium: lithograph
- Dimensions: 15 in. x 10 in. (381 mm x 254 mm)
- Portrays: George Robert Canning Harris, 4th Baron Harris
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
In this lithograph you see George Robert Canning Harris, the 4th Baron Harris, rendered in crisp black‑and‑white tones. The print measures about 15 inches by 10 inches, a compact portrait that captures his dignified pose and distinctive hat. Because it was produced from an early photograph by George William Beldam, you can see the careful reproduction of his face and collar, all within a subtle paper texture.
Harris is well known in cricket circles: he played for Kent, represented England, and later became Governor of Bombay in 1890. In that role he helped to nurture cricket in India, even founding it as a staple sport in Mumbai. Though his tenure was not without controversy—he returned reluctantly after the July 1893 riots and later declined Ranjitsinhji for the English team—his legacy as a cricketer‑turned‑governor remains vivid.
The lithograph itself, created by Albert Chevallier Tayler in 1905, showcases the printmaking technique of that era: clean lines, tonal shading, and a faithful copy of the original photo. This piece gives us both an image of a notable sportsman and a glimpse into early twentieth‑century lithographic practice.
See it in person
George Robert Canning Harris, 4th Baron Harris 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.
