Gerald Edward Moira (1867-1959)

Painter, mural decorator and teacher, born in London of Portuguese origin. He studied at Royal Academy Schools, 1887–89, winning several prizes, having been earlier tutored and encouraged by his father, Eduardo Lobo da Moira (1817–1887), a miniature painter who had served in the Portuguese diplomatic service. Moira failed to win the Royal Academy gold medal only by the casting vote of its president, Sir Frederick Leighton. On leaving the Schools Moira immediately set up studio in London and received a number of important portrait commissions. Gerald Moira showed at the RA from 1891, IS from 1899, was member of NPS and RWA, and held senior positions in ROI and RWS. He went on to become professor of mural and decorative painting at the Royal College of Art, 1900–22, then principal of Edinburgh College of Art, 1924–32. In addition to teaching he carried out a formidable number of large commissions, including decorati