Acclaimed Salford artist Harold Riley has unveiled a portrait of the Francis House Children’s Hospice founder.
The portrait of Sister Aloysius in chalk, pastel and ink was completed in 2009, three years before her death at the age of 85 in August 2012.
The portrait joins a long list of famous people painted by the artist which includes Popes, United States Presidents, footballers, golfers and even Nelson Mandela.
Sister Aloysius, known for her love and compassion for children with life-limiting conditions and their families, inspired many to support her in her vision for a north west children’s hospice, at a time when there were only four other children’s hospices in the UK.
Describing her as ‘a very good sitter’ she sat for Riley on just one occasion at the Didsbury hospice.
Harold later finished off the sketch in his studio in Salford.
“She was very interested in what I was doing and how I did it,” he said.
“As a painter of portraits you are very interested in finding an expression about how you feel about the person. She wasn’t difficult to feel something about. She was a gentle person and very kind.
“People who have the kind of sincerity she had and the honesty backed by the kindness are often formidable people.”
Francis House opened in 1991. Sister Aloysius retired in 2005 aged 78, remaining as a member of the Council of Management.
“She was a presence and she was charismatic, I don’t know how people are charismatic but I know I feel it when they are,” said Harold.
The portrait was auctioned in 2013 at The Irish Abroad dinner at the Hilton Hotel. It raised £3,000 with the successful bidder generously donating the portrait back to the hospice.
“When you get to my age 80, you see faces from the past and for whom there is nostalgia. If there is a particular reason for thinking about them, like being here today, the more you remember them and I remember her,” he added.
