An original portfolio of collected work by an early 20th century artist called Winifred Buzzard (later Pratt). The folder and contents mostly dates from the 1920s onwards.

This wonderfully aesthetic portfolio is full of original drawings, sketches and paintings. There is also a rather beautiful hand-painted wallpaper design (first image).

Also included are photographs of Winifred and letters relating to her education and career. Winifred Buzzard, or ‘Wini’ as she often signs, was born in Lancashire in 1906. It’s clear she showed a talent for art from a young age and pursued a career in it, which would have been quite unusual for a woman at this time. She was very successful and went on to study at the City School of Art in Liverpool and won two scholarships, one of which enabled her to spend three months studying art in France and Italy.

Winifred looks to have gone on to be an art teacher, but information about her beyond the 1930s is very limited. Some of the pieces are dated 1950s-1970s, so we know she was at least still actively drawing for most of her life.

The portfolio cover measures 36cm x 23cm. A lot of the artwork is small and would therefore be very affordable to frame if desired.