Jeffrey Sterling joined the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) as a non-executive Director in 1980. He became Executive Chairman three years later, a position he held until standing down in May 2005. He was Chairman of P&O Princess Cruises from 2000 to 2003.
Lord Sterling was Chairman of the National Maritime Museum (from 20 November 2005 until 2013) and is an Honorary Commodore in the Royal Naval Reserve. This portrait was commissioned by P&O to commemorate his distinguished career with the company. Created a Life Peer in 1990, he is shown in this near-full-length portrait wearing his Parliamentary Robes of State over the uniform of an Elder Brother of Trinity House. The chain is that of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

The painting is signed bottom left: RICHARD STONE. A tablet on the frame reads: 'The RT HON Lord Sterling of Plaistow, GCVO, CBE / Executive Chairman of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Company / 1983-2005 / painted by Richard Stone 2006'.