Thatcher Returns To Number 10

Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, has scheduled a visit to 10 Downing Street today for the unveiling of her painted portrait. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has invited Thatcher for the private gathering held this afternoon.

Conservative leader David Cameron, whose office wall is decorated with his own picture of his notorious and illustrious predecessor, is also expected at the unveiling.

It’s understood that Prime Minister Brown had extended an invitation to Baroness Thatcher to receive the honour of an official portrait when she paid him a visit for tea at Downing Street a few months into his premiership in September 2007.

This morning, a spokesman for the Prime Minister claimed that Mr Brown was looking forward to greet the former Conservative leader back to the stately home.

Creator of the Thatcher art work painter Richard Stone is the author of several key British figure portraits including the ones of the Queen, the Queen Mother, Labour Prime Ministers Harold Wilson as well as James Callaghan.

It’s been revealed that his services have been paid for through a private donation and his most recent piece is scheduled for permanent display in the lobby of the first floor state rooms at 10 Downing. This particular lobby is said to be used by the Prime Minister to meet foreign dignitaries.

Several photographs of recent prime ministers already adorn the main Number 10 staircase but official paintings have been created and subsequently displayed for only two 20th century British heads of state: Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George.

Margaret Thatcher is understood to be the only politician still alive who has received the honour of a portrait unveiling at the official residence.

The painting depicts Lady Thatcher just after the events of the Falklands in 1982, at the height of her leadership.