The Mayor of Finsbury 1939-40, William Lewis Prowse (1907-75), in the Large Hall at Finsbury Town Hall with Alderman Dr Chuni Lai, (1898-1978, Mayor of Finsbury 1928-39, first South Asian UK mayor) who presented a new chain of office for the mayoress. William Lewis Prowse was born in Islington and was a Labour councillor and alderman, representing Shoreditch and Finsbury on London County Council 1949-52. Photograph also includes the Town Clerk T.J. Wilson, Miss Madge Clarke and the Mayor's attendant W.Pearce with mace.

• Keywords
  MAYORS, MAYORAL REGALIA, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CIVIC INSTITUTIONS, TOWN HALLS, PORTRAITS
• Geographical keyword
  FINSBURY (METROPOLITAN BOROUGH)
• Persons keyword
  Chuni Lai Katial, William Lewis Prowse