Adolph Michaelson (born Osher Michaelowski in Poland) was the Superintendent of the Jews' Temporary Shelter in Mansell Street, Whitechapel from 1912–1940, assisted by his wife, Sarah, as Matron. Michaelson was elected Chairman of the Ben Uri Art Society from 1926–45 (although during the Second World War the gallery closed in late 1939, reopening in January 1944). Mandel's portrait of Michaelson was displayed at Ben Uri's annual exhibition of works by Jewish artists in May-June 1935 (with the artist's initial given as 'E').