Art detectives find painting the work of Barnsley-born artist

A STUNNING piece of artwork has been revealed as the work of an important female Barnsley-born artist.

For a number of years the painting, part of the Cooper Gallery’s collection, was referred to as ‘Colonel Rowland Addy’ but remained a mystery.

However, work from art detectives has confirmed details about the painter - a Brierley-born artist Brenda Bury.

She was born in the town in 1932 and won a number of prizes for her work - and even painted portraits of Queen Elizabeth.

She also painted Alderman McVie and his wife when he was Mayor of Barnsley in the 1950s - this is still held in Barnsley Museums.

Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: “This is such an extraordinary discovery.

“It adds to the already magnificent collection at the Cooper Gallery which is a free to enter and perfect for a relaxing trip out.”