Honoring Legacy: Portrait of General Sir Patrick Sanders

Nov 5

The Heroes in Focus Foundation is proud to have funded the latest addition to the prestigious gallery of British Army leaders: a portrait of General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen. Serving as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022, Sir Patrick’s career embodies the leadership, dedication, and strategic excellence that define the modern British Army.

This portrait commission marks the third for the British Army, following previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter. Sir Patrick’s extensive experience includes pivotal roles such as Political/Military Adviser for Coalition Forces in Iraq (2003-2004), Colonel Army Strategy, and Chief of Defence Staff's Liaison Officer to the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His leadership across higher command appointments, including the 20 Armoured Brigade, the 3rd (UK) Division, and the Field Army, culminated in his promotion to General in 2019 and his command of UK Strategic Command until May 2022.

Born at Tidworth Garrison military hospital, Sir Patrick’s upbringing in diverse locations like Norway, Gibraltar, and Iraq provided a global perspective that shaped his exemplary military career. Commissioned into The Royal Green Jackets in 1986, he led operational commands in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His current roles as Colonel Commandant of The Rifles and the Honourable Artillery Company, along with his presidency of the Armed Forces Winter Sports Association, reflect his multifaceted contributions to military service. Fluent in several languages and passionate about skiing, cycling, and whisky, Sir Patrick’s varied interests complement his remarkable career.

Capturing Leadership: General Sir Patrick Sanders Portrait Sitting Rory LewisPhotographer, Copyright © Heroes in Focus Foundation 2025

This portrait not only celebrates his leadership but also serves as a symbol of inspiration for future generations of soldiers. Joining a gallery of historical significance, it highlights the importance of capturing the legacies of those who dedicate their lives to service. For military organizations, securing funding for portraiture and art remains a significant challenge. This commission, made possible by the Heroes in Focus Foundation, underscores the vital role of preserving history through visual storytelling.

Military portraiture is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a profound way to honor service, leadership, and sacrifice. General Sir Patrick Sanders’ portrait stands as a testament to his contributions and the enduring legacy of the British Army’s leaders.

British GeneralBritish ArmyGeneral Sir Patrick Sanders

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio

Honoring Legacy: Portrait of General Sir Patrick Sanders

Capturing History: Portraits of Legacy at Virginia Military Institute