THE great niece of a wartime artist is on the hunt for clues about the life of her mysterious great aunt.

Wartime artist and WAAF sergeant Elva Blacker died in 1984, but great niece Rebecca Jones has made it her life’s work to uncover further clues about her life in a bid to ensure her legacy.

Last year she appealed for information and paintings in South London, where Elva spent time as a Motor Transport Driver before moving on to Fighter Command at RAF Biggin Hill.

But since then, it has emerged that Elva spent a great deal of time visiting with friends in the Herefordshire area.

Ms Jones said: “My great aunt was quite a private lady about whom I knew little, but from what little I knew of her as a child, mainly informed by helping my family clear out her house when she died, I was intrigued and inspired!

"I’ve discovered that Elva’s link to Hereford is particularly significant, as it was here that she had a notable accident whilst driving her motorbike.

"The crash left Elva in a ditch for hours before receiving help and left her sight impaired.

"It was an injury that made painting a real challenge and this change can be seen in her art works from this point.

"I’d love to know more about Elva’s link to Hereford and to see if Hereford is home to any of Elva’s paintings.”

As an artist, Elva was most successful in water colour, and her works have been exhibited in the Royal Air Force Museum.

Ms Jones said: “Having never received the accolades or recognition for her art whilst she was alive, I want her work to be both recognised and celebrated.”

To share information about Elva or if you believe you have a painting by Elva Blacker, please visit: https://elva-blacker.muchloved.com/