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A new portrait of General Eva Burrows (Rtd) AC, by renowned artist June Mendoza, was unveiled on 27 March during a ceremony at The Salvation Army’s iconic 69 Bourke Street property in Melbourne, Australia.
The retired General said she was honoured to have Ms Mendoza complete a second portrait of her. She added that it was fitting to have one portrait hanging in the United Kingdom, representing her years of service there, and now one in Australia, at 69 Bourke Street, where she is currently an active member of Melbourne 614 Corps (church).
Ms Mendoza’s first portrait of General Eva Burrows was completed at the beginning of 1993 to mark the General’s retirement. The two had met at a lunch at Buckingham Palace as guests of Queen Elizabeth II, and have been firm friends since.
Australian-born artist June Mendoza AO, OBE is one of the world’s leading portrait painters. She has completed portrait commissions for royalty, foreign dignitaries and arts, music and business figures. Her works include five portraits of Queen Elizabeth II as well as portraits of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, Earl Mountbatten of Burma and Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
While conducting the unveiling ceremony The Salvation Army’s Australia Southern Territorial Commander, Commissioner Raymond Finger, especially thanked the anonymous donor who sponsored the portrait and was present at the unveiling. He reminded the guests that General Burrows (Rtd) was the 13th international leader of the Army and held office from 1986–93, becoming popularly and affectionately known as ‘the people’s General’.
The ceremony concluded with Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Aylene Finger sharing a prayer and reading a message from Ms Mendoza, which stated that General Burrows (Rtd) was a ‘remarkable woman’.
Guests included Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, former Victorian state premiers Jeff Kennett and Joan Kirner, Gordon Darling AC (former chairman of the National Gallery of Australia) and chairperson of the Australia Southern Territorial Advisory Council Margaret Jackson AC.
Report by Captain Mal Davies
National Editor-in-Chief Australia
