Family art work valued

LOOKBACK reader Linda Pye submitted this lovely picture.
She said: "This is a charcoal drawing of my grandmother, Grace Lillian McQueen, drawn in 1886 when she was 12 years old, in its original frame.
"The artist's signature appears to be Robert Phininster.
"I know nothing about him other than the fact that many artists of the period had models sit for them."

Richard Hopkinson, Head of Paintings at Bonhams, Northern Region cast his eye over it - this is verdict.
"Your drawing looks to be a good quality example of a type of portraiture that was very popular in later 19th century Britain.
Your reading of the signature suggests that the artist is Robert Phininster - I can find no record of this painter listed as exhibiting pictures.
The records of artists working in this country at this period are very good.
This means that when a British artist of the period is not listed, he or she is viewed as quite a minor figure.
Your charcoal and pencil drawing looks very attractive and the draftsmanship is good.
This suggests that the artist was trained, either as an apprentice to another painter, or, more likely at one of the many art schools, both public and private, that were in existence by the 1880s.
The style and type of drawing is very much in keeping with those taught at art schools in this period.
The feeling of your drawing is closer to a commissioned portrait, rather than an artist using a model to create a picture.
Clearly, it would have been much quicker and cheaper to ask for a charcoal sketch than a portrait in oils, and so these were done in quite large numbers, although from the 1870s most portraits were photographs, which was cheaper still, and had a great novelty attraction.
Sadly, these charcoal studies are not really in fashion on the antique market at present, and so we find that comparable examples often sell for under £150.
This drawing has the advantage of a very attractive young sitter, which really enhances its appeal.
The condition looks good, and the frame is probably the original oak one.
In spite of these plus points, I would estimate this one to sell for between £50-100, which just underlines that a good, antique picture can be purchased for a very affordable sum, particularly when an artist in not known or collected."