From Artnet.com
Sir James Kitson, Lord Airedale, was one of the most influential men in Britain and a driving force in the evolution of the Industrial Revolution. . . .
Director of the North Eastern Railway, President of the Iron and Steel Institute, Chairman of the Yorkshire Banking Company, a Member of Parliament and of the Institute of Civil Engineers and British Iron Trade Association, Lord Airedale was elected the first Mayor of Leeds when it was elevated to city status in 1896.
He died suddenly in Paris in 1911 at the age of 75. His funeral in Leeds a week later was an occasion of much public mourning, whilst at the same time in London a memorial service was attended by many friend and Members of Parliament.
(artnet.com)
As of 8/22/2002 the painting was offered for sale at Peter Nahum at the Leicester Galleries, 5 Ryder Street, London, SW1Y 6PY England