Dated 1969. This bold head and shoulders portrait is an original oil on board by Lancashire born artist Harold Wood. Wood was born in Preston 1918. He studied part time at Harris Art School 1935-9 and got a job in the decorative department in Leyland Paint & Varnish before serving in WW2. Upon returning, he worked in London as an illustrator and model maker. In 1947 he was comissioned to illustrate the life of Abdul Aziz al Saud, the first King of Saudi Arabia, a toal of 58 paintings in watercolour, completed in 1977. He was also commissioned to paint Sultan of Oman’s Arabian horses. With a documented 285 paintings completed for the two patrons, Harold became known as ‘Painter of the Arab World’.

Outside of his commissions, his paintings often had a military theme, such as a series of studies on historical military leaders and soldiers. This particular portrait has a modernist style with a bold colour block which makes it a very arresting painting once hung on a wall.

The painting has been professionally framed at a later date in a muted gilt and bronzed frame.

Frame measures 63.5cm x 53cm.

Aperture measures 49cm x 39cm.