April 1998

Striking a Pose [page 4]

Ray Simpon adds the finishing touches to the portrait of Capt John Bradfield of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, soon to be on display behind the RCMI's Front Desk.

Members who have passed by the front desk of the Institute recently, have been doing so under the gaze of Captain Harry McCabe of the Queen's Own Rifles. The 18"x22" McCabe oil painting is the work of Mr. Ray Simpson of Markham. Mr. Simpson has been painting portraits for 11 years and has studied at schools and studios in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. There, he has learnt the techniques of some of the European masters from the late renaissance to the classic contemporary. Currently, Simpson is completing a portrait of Capt. John Bradfield of the 48th Highlanders. The painting shows Capt. Bradfield wearing his blue patrol jacket and regimental trews. To compliment Bradfield's baring, he is depicted in front of draped curtain, with a stone column and several large reference books.

Mr. Simpson produces his portraits exclusively from photographs. He says, "I take at least six reference photographs of the client. Next I work out the design for the painting and prepare a working drawing". Simpson finds that working from photographs has several advantages, it is far less demanding on the client's time, and eliminates any of the problems involved in scheduling sittings.

Depending on the complexity of the working drawing, the client may have to approve the work to that point. Some of the portraits require research to ensure they are historically correct. Attention has to be paid to the detail, ensuring that the medals are correct, and in the right order. If there is a sword, it has to be the proper type or model.

Members wishing for additional information can view the McCabe portrait currently on display at the front desk were there is a biographical write-up. Or watch for Ray Simpson's advertisement in up-coming issues of "Sitrep".

Appointment Unanimous [page 5]

The Integrity Commissioner at his new desk

On a Friday in November last year, Colonel the Honorable Robert Rutherford celebrated his 75th birthday and retired as a justice of the High Court of Ontario. But retirement lasted only one weekend. On the following Monday he started his new job as Ontario's Integrity Commissioner. Shortly before, Col Rutherford had watched from the vistor's gallery of the Ontario Legislative Assembly as a motion for his appointment was brought to the floor. Respresentatives from all three political parties spoke in favour of the motion, and Members of the House approved Rutherford's appointment unanimously.

The position of Integrity Commissioner was created ten years ago, and Col Rutherford is only the second person to hold the position. As the Commissioner, he is responsible for probing any conflict of interest involving provincial cabinet ministers, MPP's, the staff of MPP's, and provincial civil servants; while in service and after they leave. In the future his mandate could be expanded to include lobbyists.

This is not the first time the former RCMI President has had a career change. In 1940, joined the Grey and Simcoe Forresters and served as a tank commander in North Africa, Italy and Northwest Europe during World War II. Since 1947, Col Rutherford has held no less than 20 different military or judicial appointments, including command of the Governor General's Horse Guards. Most recently, he served for more than two years as a commissioner on the Somalia Inquiry.
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