This half length portrait shows the sitter holding a manuscript and a cigar. Within the painting, the sculpture of 'The Flute Player' (A227) can be seen in the background. This man, Granville Bantock, was a musician and composer, who in 1908 replaced Elgar as Peyton Professor of Music at Birmingham University. Born the son of a prestigeous surgeon and gynaecologist, Bantock attended the Royal Academy of Music from 1888 to 1893. Following this he pursued a career touring the country performing musical shows with such organisations as the Gaiety Company. In 1900 he came to Birmingham and was appointed principal of Birmingham and Midland Institute of Music, an Institution which he linked closely to his position at the University.
The artist here, Bernard Munns, was a Birmingham born painter who exhibited his work in both London and Paris. He is represented in Cheltenham Art Gallery by his painting of the composer Gustav Holst.