Henry Cotton (1907-1987) was Open Champion on three occasions – 1934, 1937 and 1948. In 1968 he was made an Honorary Member of the R&A. He was awarded the MBE for war-time charity work and he became the first golfer to receive a knighthood when he was given that honour in January 1988.
His painting was commissioned by Langley Park Golf Club, where Berrie was a member, and it was also where Cotton had worked as the professional early in his career. The portrait was presented to Cotton by Langley Park and he in turn gifted it to the R&A in 1971.