1881 - 1967
Signed and Dated 1916, Inscribed on Reverse, Oil on Canvas, 25 x 30 ¼ inches / 63.5 x 76.83 cm
Frank Ernest Beresford was painter of portraits; interiors, animals, landscapes and mural decoration.
Beresford was born in Derby on 30th August 1881. He studied at the Derby School of Art between 1895 and 1900 and from there went to the St. John's Art School in London (1900 - 1901) and the Royal Academy Schools (1901- 1906).
Following this period Beresford gained the British Institution Scholarship for two years. He also embarked on a painting tour which took him all around the world, including Japan.
From 1906 Beresford exhibited his work in London (predominately at the Royal Academy) and abroad, securing him an international reputation. His work is represented in several important and renowned public collections.
During World War Two, Beresford painted as a war artist for both the R.A.F. and the U.S.A.A.F. Several of the works from this period are on permanent exhibition at the U.S.A.A.F. Academy in Colorado Springs. Indeed the U.S.A.A.F. awarded Beresford an "Exceptional Service Award†- the highest civilian honour, only once previously granted to a Briton.
During his artistic career, Beresford worked in South Africa and Rhodesia and completed a painting tour from the Cape to the Zambesi (a total trip of 12,000 miles!)
He was a member of the United Society of Artists and of the New Society of Artists. He lived in London and later Northiam in Sussex.
http://www.burlington.co.uk/original-paintings/frank-beresford-the-rose-room-marden-park-25273.html** Very good family website **
http://beresfordart.net/
