I have a life-size portrait of my gr gr grandfather that may have been done in London in the 1880's, or just possibly in the States a little earlier. I was wondering if anyone knew how common (or uncommon) it would have been for someone to have a portrait done. I have portrait photos of other ancestors, but no paintings except for those done by another (non-Jewish) gr gr grandfather who happened to be a painter. I've wondered what inspired my ancestor to have it done - one day I shall get the painting cleaned and then send a photo to the National Portrait Gallery to see if they can tell me anything about it (I sent a query to the NPG asking about possible artists and got a reply saying to send a photo). Eve Richardson Toronto, Canada

Hi Eve My great aunt Violet had portraits in oil of her father (myggrandfather Henry born 1836)) and of another bearded worthy who was probably one of my great uncles as I suspect that my gggrandfather Joshua Poland (Polak?) born 1792 would still have been observant enough to have avoided any such non orthodox frivolity. Unfortunately I have lost any trace of these portraits. Best Nigel Warshaw Berkeley, California USA +1 510 527 3942 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eve Richardson Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 8:11 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [BRITISH-JEWRY] portraits I have a life-size portrait of my gr gr grandfather that may have been done in London in the 1880's, or just possibly in the States a little earlier. I was wondering if anyone knew how common (or uncommon) it would have been for someone to have a portrait done. I have portrait photos of other ancestors, but no paintings except for those done by another (non-Jewish) gr gr grandfather who happened to be a painter. I've wondered what inspired my ancestor to have it done - one day I shall get the painting cleaned and then send a photo to the National Portrait Gallery to see if they can tell me anything about it (I sent a query to the NPG asking about possible artists and got a reply saying to send a photo). Eve Richardson Toronto, Canada Our website is at www.british-jewry.org.uk We update regularly. Let us know if you have ideas to offer. [email protected] is the address to use for help. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message