A WOMAN is trying to shed light on the history of a painting she bought from a charity shop.

Do Bond, from Walney, bought a painting for its frame from Barrow’s Salvation Army.

When the 73-year-old got it home she realised from the inscription behind the artwork that it was 100 years old and the initials “VL” were written on the back.

A message on the back of the canvas said: “To Bella Jones, as a mark of esteem from the Veiled Lady.”

Mrs Bond, a keen amateur artist herself, said she felt compelled to discover the history behind the painting and its former owners.

And now she is searching for answers from anyone who might have know the family.

She said: “I bought the painting and saw that it was 100 years old, which I thought was fascinating given that this year we were commemorating the Armistice Day centenary.

“I’m just very curious to find out more about the painting and the family.

“I hope someone will be able to remember an ancestor or family member living in Barrow in 1918.

“I know the painting itself is very basic and is not worth anything but I would love to find about this family, who might possibly be from Barrow.”

The landscape work was painted by “VL”, the inscription says.

Mrs Bond originally sought the help of the Barrow Society of Artists but broadened her search in an effort to track down the details of its owner.

She has enlisted The Mail to help in her quest for information.

“Someone suggested that I go to the newspaper," she said.

“I hope this way we might be able to reach someone who has any information.

“Please will anybody who knows anything about the people mentioned in the inscription get in touch.”

Mrs Bond she would happily return the painting to descendants of the family.

But if no-one comes forward then she plans to restore the painting and its frame to their former glory.

Mrs Bond has asked anyone with information to get in contact with The Mail.

You can do this by calling our newsdesk on 01229 840150 or email us at news.em@newsquest.co.uk.

Otherwise you can call in at our offices in Abbey Road.

The Salvation Army’ has been in Barrow since 1881.

The charity, which is based on Christian values, has a centre in Abbey Road.