NORRISTOWN >> While county judges eventually leave behind the courtrooms of the Montgomery County Courthouse, they also leave behind the portraits that hang throughout the building.
Four new portraits were added to the collection Wednesday as the county’s newest judges – Risa Vetri Ferman, Daniel J. Clifford, Todd D. Eisenberg and Joseph P. Walsh – had their newly completed portraits unveiled to the public.
“A portrait remains a testimony forever, an instant of someone’s life, a side of personality that beholds many other facets. It also conveys the spirit of this wonderful legal community to which we are so privileged to belong,” said Montgomery County Court President Judge William J. Furber Jr., who presided over the ceremony.
In a morning ceremony, Judges Vetri Ferman and Clifford were surrounded by friends and family as the black cloths were lifted from their likenesses, soon to hang on the walls of the courthouse.
“It’s an honor for me to be included with all the other portraits in the courthouse, given that as I look around the room, there’s probably about 150 years of combined judicial service, and I’m just happy to add my 11 months and hopefully several more years in addition to that,” Judge Clifford said.
The portraits are done by artist Richard Quindry, based on a series of photos taken of the subjects. The judges are able to look over the photos, but they do not see the finished product for the first time until the unveiling ceremony.
The judges told tales of how they tried to get glimpses of the portraits before the occasion.
“I even offered that I would look at Risa’s and she could look at mine so we could reassure each other,” Judge Clifford said. “But they were having none of that.”
In the end, however, the mystery that preceded the unveiling made the moment even more exciting.
“Anyone who knows me knows I do not like surprises,” Judge Vetri Ferman said. “I have to confess it’s very special to have it unveiled in front of your family and friends and the people who mean so much to you. It’s a very special day.”
