Archive · 16 Jun 2025
Rare Mahatma Gandhi Portrait to be Auctioned in London
A special painting of Mahatma Gandhi, a very important person who helped India become independent, is going up for sale.
The painting was made in 1931 when he was visiting London.
It's painted by an artist named Clare Leighton.
It's believed to be the only time Gandhi sat to pose for an oil painting.
The painting is expected to sell for a lot of money.
The painting was once damaged, but it has since been fixed.
It was shown to the public a couple of times a long time ago.
Now, it's being sold at an auction and might go back to India, which might be its true home.
A rare 1931 portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is up for auction in London.
The painting, by Clare Leighton, is believed to be the only oil portrait Gandhi sat for.
It is estimated to sell for between £50,000 and £70,000.
The portrait was previously displayed in London in 1931 and at a Boston Public Library exhibition in 1978.
The painting was damaged in the early 1970s and later restored in the United States.
- Who
- The portrait is of Mahatma Gandhi, and the artist is Clare Leighton.
- What
- An oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is up for auction.
- When
- The auction is scheduled for July 7-15.
- Where
- The auction is being held in London.
- Why
- The portrait is being sold by Bonhams.
Artist's Family
None
Potential Future
Artist's Family
Believes the painting should be seen by more people.
None
Thinks it might be great if the painting went back to India.
- Artist
- Clare Leighton
- Subject
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Year
- 1931
- Auction House
- Bonhams
- Estimated Price
- £50,000 - £70,000
- Previous Displays
- London (1931), Boston Public Library (1978)