Frank E Beresford (1881-1967), "The Promise of Spring", oil on board, signed lower right, framed and glazed. Signature a little indistinct otherwise in good condition.

Frank Ernest Beresford was a painter of portraits, interiors, landscapes and interiror murals. Born in Derby on 30th August 1881, he studied at the Derby School of Art (1895 and 1900), and from there went on to the St. John's Art School, in London (1900 - 1901) and eventually the Royal Academy (1901- 1906). Beresford gained international recognition, and was even awarded the British Institutional Scholarship.
 
During World War Two, Beresford became an important war artist for both the R.A.F. and the U.S.A.A.F. Indeed the U.S.A.A.F. awarded Beresford an "Exceptional Service Award", the highest civilian honour in the United States, only once previously granted to a British citizen. Several of his works from this period are on permanent exhibition at the U.S.A.A.F. Academy in Colorado Springs.
 
He was a member of the United Society of Artists and of the New Society of Artists.