Gertie Millar

This isn't the most inspiring portrait I've ever seen, but it does have an interesting story. Gertie Millar was a star of musical comedies on the London stage. After her songwriter husband's death in 1924, she retired from show business to marry the Earl of Dudley. Sir William Orpen RA RHA painted her portrait as Gertrude, Countess of Dudley with fur and pearls for her new found status. The portrait comes up for grabs in Sworders Fine Arts Auctioneers, Essex, estimated at £30,000 – £40,000 (CLICK).