The artist is John Shirley Fox (1860 -1939) who came from Marlborough, Wilts, and was primarily a portrait painter, although he is also well-known for his paintings of animals in landscapes. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, as well as abroad, and I gather his works fetch high prices in the USA. He was also a mentor of Sir Anthony Blunt, spy and art-lover ...   The painting is oil on canvas, 14" x 18" and is currently framed in a simple oak-type frame.  I have had the work valued over the years by a local art expert, as well as twice by the Antiques Roadshow people and by Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers. As a result of their valuations, the painting is currently insured for £1000. I would be happy to discuss sensible offers from anyone who might be interested in acquiring this work.

Viv Rainsbury (Sevray Bedlingtons) e-mail: viv.rainsbury@rjt.co.uk