AN OIL PAINTING of one of Worcester’s most recognised civic figures has been unveiled at the city’s Guildhall.
As official sword bearer to the city of Worcester, Frank Southam has contributed a striking sense of pageantry and occasion to hundreds of civic functions during his 28 years’ service in the role so far.
The role dates back to the Royal Charter bestowed by King James 1 in 1621, and was originally established to provide protection and authority to the Mayor.
Frank Southam was first appointed as Sword Bearer in February 1990, and has enjoyed many highlights in his long career. When The Queen visited Worcester in 2012, Frank formally welcomed Her Majesty at the gates of the Guildhall, by presenting the hilt of his sword for her to touch.
The portrait, which is now hanging in the Lower Hall of the Guildhall, was painted by Francesca Currie, a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. Her numerous commissions include the official portrait of the current Bishop of Worcester.
Frank attended two three hour sittings with the artist – one in her studio, and one in the Mayor’s Parlour.
“When I saw the finished portrait, I was amazed by its resemblance and quality,” says Frank. “It was well above my expectations; it’s just fantastic.”
Frank was born in Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent, and first came to Worcester in 1963 where his family ran a hardware store in New Street.
He started working for the City Council in 1968, as an electrician in the housing department. He took early retirement from his full-time job in 1993, to concentrate on the role of Sword Bearer.
