Although tempted to file away, paint over or otherwise discard his working notes, Lavery seldom did so. According to Professor Kenneth McConkey, the most eminent Lavery specialist, "When giving one to Sir Ian Hamilton for instance he told him that this was the first oil painting of the House in session, adding that it was thus, an ‘historical document’."

Bellmans are extremely grateful to Professor Kenneth McConkey for his assistance in cataloguing this painting.