Giant Gunnera watercolour 75 x 54cm Footnote: Provenance By descent within the family of the artist In 1891, a year after her birth, Mary Melville Foster (née Farrer) and her family relocated from Ingleborough, Yorkshire to New Zealand. Fourteen years later, aged 15, Melville Foster returned to Europe to commence her studies - first at the Slade School of Fine Art, and then in Paris, where she became involved in the modern art scene. During her career, Mary Melville Foster exhibited at the London Group, New English Art Club and at the Royal Academy. She hosted several solo exhibitions in London galleries, and aged 75, held a retrospective in Gloucestershire. Mary had two daughters, one of whom, Susan, later became a sculptor and artist. A lively and strong character, Mary’s personality is reflected in her work. Condition report: Oil on a coarse weave canvas support. The canvas has some sketches on the reverse. The tension is poor and there are undulations across the surface of the picture. The paint layer is in a good condition, there is minor abrasion around the edges caused by framing. The paint layer is unvarnished and has an intentionally matte, chalky surface. There are some chips and losses to the decorative surface of the frame.