279 "Marjorie, Aged Five"
by George Hall Neale (1863-1940)
Private Collection

In this portrait, painted in 1909, the artist has captured Marjorie for her parents, the magical look of such a happy child; comfortable posing and probably having insisted upon having the dolls and teddy bear with her. The teddy bear not only has an endearing expression but also wears a blue satin ribbon to match the cool blue and white of Marjorie's clothes.

Portraits of little daughters are almost incomplete without their dolls. These Highly attractive and desirable subjects are amongst the most sought after paintings in the whole art world. They rarely reach auction, because in a logical way, owners are more reluctant to part with such treasures.

George Hall Neale specialised as a portrait artist and became a noted painter of children. The son of a Lancashire corn merchant, he studied at the Liverpool School of Art, and under Laurens and Constant at the Academie Julien in Paris. During his career, he exhibited eleven works at the Royal Academy. He lived in Merseyside and became President of the Liverpool Academy.