DAME LAURA KNIGHT (1877-1970): St Michael's Church

DAME LAURA KNIGHT (1877-1970): St Michael's Church, Compton Chamberlayne, signed, oil on canvas, 61 x 51cm (24 x 20in) A pencil note verso states 'Given by Laura to G.C.' Provenance: George Cross, Compton Park and thence by descent. George Cross (1884 -1972) was a successful businessman who bought Compton Park in Compton Chamberlayne near Salisbury in the 1920s. He and his companion Heather were close friends of Harold and Laura Knight who frequently stayed with them. Heather was an attractive woman whom Laura painted many times and even Harold, who was usually impervious to feminine charms, was smitten by her. A portrait of George Cross by Harold Knight was exhibited at the R.A. in 1932.