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Portrait of Oxford University Chancellor William Hague unveiled

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Oxford University has unveiled a portrait of Chancellor William Hague, painted by British contemporary portrait artist Louise Pragnell. The oil painting was commissioned to mark Lord Hague's tenure as Chancellor, a position he has held since February 2025. The portrait was unveiled as part of an event at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities and shows Lord Hague wearing the Chancellor's ceremonial robes in Convocation House, part of the Bodleian Library.

Lord Hague, a former Conservative Party leader, 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 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. She has also twice been a finalist in the portrait award formerly known as the BP Portrait Award. Ms Pragnell previously painted Lord Hague in 2023, depicting him at the Royal United Services Institute in Westminster, and has also painted The Princess Royal as well as officers of the Household Cavalry.

Portrait of Oxford University Chancellor William Hague unveiled
Image: Oxford Mail

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In this story: William Hague · Louise Pragnell · Oxford University · Lord Patten of Barnes · Bodleian Library

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