MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Baroness Thatcher returns to Downing Street

The painting will be on permanent display in Downing Street.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher moved back into Downing Street, in the shape of a portrait by royal artist Richard Stone. Nicholas Glass reports. The unveiling had been delayed several times due to the ailing health of Baroness Thatcher, 84, who attended Monday the private reception.

Mrs. Thatcher will be remembered for having transformed the British economy, put an end to unions dominance, seeing the dismantling of the Soviet empire and Germany’s reunification, and the 1982 Falkland Islands war which helped to restore British pride.

The artwork was personally commissioned by Number 10's present occupant, Gordon Brown. The PM's spokesman said today's event was “a very historic and special occasion”.

He added: “The prime minister made a short speech in which he thanked Baroness Thatcher for the contribution she has made to the country over many years.”

Lady Thatcher thanked Mr Brown for his comments before mingling with guests, but did not make a speech. The spokesman added that the decision not to allow press cameras to film the ceremony was taken by Downing Street “in consultation with Baroness Thatcher's office”.

Mr Brown is understood to have offered Lady Thatcher the honour of an official portrait when she visited him for tea in September 2007, a few months into his premiership.

The portrait by Richard Stone, who has previously painted the Queen and the Queen Mother as well as Labour leaders Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, has been paid for by a private donor. It is expected to go on permanent display in the first floor state rooms lobby.

Although photographs of all modern prime ministers line the main staircase in Number 10, only two 20th century premiers have paintings on display - David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.

In addition to the famous staircase of photographs of former PMs, there are five other paintings of former premiers on loan, including Walpole and Wellington.

Lady Thatcher is believed to be the first living politician to be given the honour of a portrait in the official residence of the prime minister.