Brian Shields (BRAAQ) - "A winter afternoon at St Mark's"

Stock Code: 2291 - SOLD

Description: A winter weekend's afternoon with the sun just disappearing over the horizon behind St Mark's Church in Liverpool, in one of the largest and most impressive works we have seen by the increasingly acclaimed and popular Brian Shields.

Further Information: Brian Shields was born in Liverpool in 1951, His father Dennis Shields was a highly regarded artist but on account of having twelve children was unable to support his family through painting alone. Brian's eldest brother pursued a successful career in America as a sculptor. The name "Ann" after his own signature was his sister who died at the young age of 21 and to whose memory all of his subsequent paintings were dedicated.

The unusual name of "braaq" is a misspelling of the famous French artist Braque which, on account of his artistic talent as a boy, was his nickname at school. Brian held his first exhibition in 1974. In 1977 he was invited to hold his first of four exhibitions in London's West End. It was after this exhibition that "The Times" described him as "one of the six most successful artists in England". All Brian's paintings are based, in a humorous way, on his childhood memories of Liverpool. He frequently painted himself as a boy wearing a striped jumper. In 1997 at the age of 46 Brian died, leaving a contribution to the art world which ranks him among the leading artists in the country.

Condition: Excellent. The painting has been lightly cleaned and re-framed in a late 20th century style frame.

Country of Origin: England

Artist & Painting: Brian Shields (aka BRAAQ), British (1951-1997) ? ?A WInter Afternoon at St Mark?s? ? signed lower left, oil on board, dated 1975.

Provenance: Private collection Cheshire.

Maker: Brian Shields (BRAAQ)

Signed: BRAAQ "Ann" '75 (lower left)

Dimensions of Canvas: Height 22.00 inches (55.88cm) Width 36.00 inches (91.44cm)

Price: £49,000