Captain Benjamin Bryant (RN DSO and Two Bars) by Robert Sivell

Captain Benjamin Bryant DSO (withTwo Bars), DSC, RN (1905-1994)

Artist Robert Sivell (Paisley, Scotland, 1888 - 1958)

SitterSitter is Captain Benjamin Bryant (Madras, India, 1905 - 1994)

Date1939-1945

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 127.7 cm, Width: 101.7 cm
Frame: Height: 143.7 cm, Width: 118.7 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1947 by the War Artists' Advisory Committee.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003788

Keywords

About MeCaptain Benjamin Bryant was the commanding officer of a World War II submarine. DSO stands for Distinguished Service Order, and two bars means that he had been awarded this three times. It was very rare to have received this order three times and so the title tells us that he was a very distinguished Captain. Robert Sevill has painted Captain Bryant in the submarine surrounded by the instruments that would have been key to the navigation of the vessel. The artist has emphasised the lack of space below deck by showing only glimpses of some of the other crew.
Captain Bryant (1905-1994), was one of the most successful British submariners to survive the Second World War. After the war he rose to rank of Rear-Admiral.
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This portrait captures not only the essence of the sitter but, through glimpses of fellow crew members and a variety of equipment - the busy crammed atmosphere inside a working submarine.