Portrait of Oxford Chancellor Lord Hague unveiled

Painted by British contemporary portrait artist Louise Pragnell, the oil painting was commissioned by the University to mark Lord Hague’s tenure as Chancellor, a position he has held since February 2025.

The portrait, which was unveiled as part of an event at the Schwarzman Centre on 8 October, depicts Lord Hague wearing the Chancellor’s ceremonial robes in Convocation House, part of the Bodleian Library.  

Lord Hague succeeded Lord Patten of Barnes and is the 160th recorded Chancellor in the University’s history, continuing a role that dates back at least 800 years.  

The Chancellor is the titular head of the University and presides over several important ceremonies as well as acting as an ambassador and advocate for Oxford, representing the University at local, national and international events.

Louise Pragnell is a British contemporary portrait painter whose work ranges from individual commissions to large-scale group portraits. Her work has been selected for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, including her portrait of former NBA basketball player Pops Mensah-Bonsu. She has also twice been a finalist in the portrait award formerly known as the BP Portrait Award.  

Pragnell previously painted Lord Hague in 2023, depicting him at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in Westminster. She has also painted HRH The Princess Royal as well as officers of the Household Cavalry, among other senior military and public figures.  

The new portrait will join those of previous Chancellors displayed across the University and its colleges, including Peter Lely’s 17th century portrait of Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon and works by Bryan Organ, who painted three successive Oxford Chancellors in the 20th and 21st centuries – Harold Macmillan, Roy Jenkins and Lord Patten of Barnes.

Rt Hon The Lord Hague of Richmond, CVO, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said, ‘I’m flattered and delighted by this portrait, and honoured that the University commemorates its chancellors in this way. Louise Pragnell is an outstanding artist. She fully captures the setting and the atmosphere as well as the individual. As always, she has done a great job.’

Louise Pragnell, said, ‘I wanted this portrait to depict Lord Hague not only in his role as Chancellor, but also to convey the energy, warmth and approachability that have shaped his extraordinary journey.

‘For me, Oxford represents the very highest level of learning and intellectual debate, with an extraordinary history. As someone who wasn’t educated there, the University has always held a certain sense of awe and mystery for me.  When we began looking for a setting for the composition, we were spoilt for choice, but the moment I walked into Convocation House, I thought, ‘Wow - this is it.’ Its dark woodwork, light and atmosphere create a real sense of gravitas and continuity with the past. You are very aware of the generations who have occupied that space before you, and that felt completely right for this portrait.’