A hunt has been launched for a portrait of Britain’s late Queen Mother which disappeared more than 50 years ago.
The painting of the young Queen Mother - who died in 2002, aged 101 - by Australian artist James Quinn has not been seen since it was removed from a Scottish art gallery in Arbroath in the early 40s during World War II for safekeeping.
The portrait - which shows the Queen Mother wearing an evening gown and holding a fan - is rumoured to have remained in the Angus area, and local councillor Jim Millar is appealing for its return.
He told the BBC: ‘According to notes it was removed to Hospitalfield House in Arbroath for safekeeping during the war and it remained on insurance lists in Arbroath library into the 70s.
‘Since then several searches have been made throughout the Angus collections but to no avail.
‘Rumours persist that the painting may be in the local area, and if this is the case I would appeal to anyone who has it in their possession to return it for public display.
‘This is a striking work of art and it is a real shame that many people are denied the opportunity to appreciate it.’ The painting is thought to have been donated to the Arbroath Art Gallery in 1936 before being stored in a local arts centre.
The Queen Mother - born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite - was known by her queen consort title, Queen Elizabeth, between 1936 and 1952 when she was the wife of the reigning monarch King George VI.
She became the Queen Mother when her husband died in 1952 and her daughter Elizabeth ascended the throne.
© bangshowbiz.biz
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