This painting by the son of Thomas Bush Hardy is titled "The Gossips" and is set in the Middle East. It is in poor condition, but the signature is clear. This is indeed a rare and valuable find here in NZ. I have started the bid low to reflect the condition. Original paintings by this artist in good condition sell for upwards of $5000 now. One of his last works, painted the year before his death. Opportunities to buy his work are now few and far between. Would consider a buy now, but it would need to be significant as i am in no hurry to let this go, have owned it for two years.

Dudley Hardy, RI, ROI, RBA, RMS, PS, (b. Sheffield, Yorkshire, 15 January 1867 – d. London, 11 August 1922), was an English painter and illustrator. Hardy was the eldest son of the marine painter Thomas Bush Hardy, under whose influence and tutelage he first learned to draw and paint. In 1882 he attended the Düsseldorf Academy where he remained for three years. After a further two year's study in Paris and at Antwerp Academy he returned to England to live and work in London. (Taken from Wikipedia, please read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_Hardy)

The preferred subjects for his work became the Middle East and Brittany; painting scenes of desert life and Breton peasantry. Although not visiting the Sudan he became a ‘War Artist’ for the 1890s Sudanese War, providing illustrations for London periodicals.

**Pick up is City Storage, Eden Terrace, Auckland Days are: Tuesday 9.30-10.30am,. Wednesday 9.30-10.30am, Saturday 9.30-4.30pm and Sunday 10-11am. Viewing is not permitted as per rule 4.d of Trade Me's own rules, goods are in storage anyway. Please read the pay instructions, they have the full address and collection info. Will work with your freight company, please arrange this. Payment within seven days please or at time of collection. This item is second hand so therefore is in second hand condition. All questions welcome, please ask as many as you need as we want you to be happy with your purchase.