Brian Shields, also known as 'Braaq', was a self-taught painter celebrated for his depictions of Northern England. His alias is a misspelling after the French master Georges Braque, a nickname he gained at school on account of his artistic talent.
This set of four pastels - his mother, father, sister and a self-portrait - sold for £7,800 in last year's Autumn Art Sale, reflecting his unique style that combines warmth and nostalgia with a touch of humour.
Despite his brief career, Braaq left a significant impact on the British art scene, particularly for his evocative scenes of everyday life, harking back to his own childhood. This lot was one of three sold from the artist in the sale, all of which sold for several thousand pounds.