Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are pleased to offer this oil on canvas portrait by the artist Pamela Kay, who has signed the painting in red in the lower right hand corner. The painting is a three quarter length portrait of a Major in full mess dress, holding his monocle in his hand. According to the label on the back of the old frame, this is a picture of Anthony Du Gard Pasley 1929-2009 in the uniform of the Westminster Dragoons. The painting also bears the label of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, so was obviously exhibited. Unfortunately, there is no date on the label or on the portrait.

Anthony Du Gard Pasley was an eminent garden designer, author, lecturer, conservationist, restorer of houses and judge at Chelsea Flower Show. He divided his time between Tunbridge Wells and Moffat in Scotland. Here are a few lines from his obituary, several of which are available online.

'Anthony was an instantly recognisable figure, whether in thorn-proof plus-fours, cape & deerstalker complete with monocle, or in the smartest kilt and jacket, his signature upward pointing moustache ‘giving a pleasant countenance’ always immaculate, but never aloof. A twinkle in his eye revealed his mischievous sense of humour, which always outshone his military bearing presumably refined during his period in the Royal Army Service Corps.'

Pamela Kay was born in 1939 and is one of the county's foremost still life artist, so this is quite a departure for her, although of her two works in the National Collection, one is a portrait.

She studied at Canterbury College of Art and obtained a Fine Art Degree. She then studied textile design at the Royal College of Art for three years and worked as a freelance textile designer, including executing some designs for Libertys and winning a Sanderson design award. She worked part-time for two years as assistant and model for John Ward.. She is an illustrator, flower, topographical, still life and portrait painter in oils and watercolour. She returned to painting after marriage and children and became a full time painter in 1983. There are several books of her art available and one of how to paint flowers in oils.

She was elected an Associated Member of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1983 and a full Member in 1985. She was elected Member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1984 and a Member of the New English Art Club in 1985. There are several books available of her work and many images on google.

Auction results for her work can be viewed at artprice .com (90 listings) and arcadja.com (88).

The painting has been newly framed in a 3 1/2 inch ornate silver gilt frame that suits it very well. It will be supplied with new brass hangers, new brass picture wire and will be ready to hang.

Image size: 29 3/8 x 24 1/4 inches - 74.65cm x 61.55cm

Frame size: 37 1/8 x 31 3/4 inches - 94.35cm x 80.65cm

Medium: Oils on canvas

Condition: Very good. In good clean condition. There is no damage, paint loss or craquelure. The frame is new.