AN artist is appealing for help to find a lost painting.

In 1972 Judith Drury was in her first year as fine art fellow at the University of Southampton and exhibited the painting — Finite Sky — at the Royal Academy summer exhibition.

It was bought by staff at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, who displayed the 4ft square, oil on canvas painting before it became part of the reserve collection about five years later.

Mrs Drury, who studied at the Royal College of Art in London, said: "Over the years, I’ve continued to paint and exhibit but, until recently, have had no cause to question the whereabouts of this picture, which I assumed was still in the Bolton collection.

"I regarded this painting as a key piece in a series of clown and puppet related images — all of which went to various collectors.

"Recently, whilst browsing the Public Foundation Catalogue, I noticed Finite Sky was missing.

"As I hope to organise both a website and a show encompassing past, as well as present, pieces I rang the museum to ask about the picture.

"Of course, over the years, staff have come and gone so no-one could recall it in the collection.

"Eventually a record of purchase was found, as well as references to its loan — on a special scheme which has now disbanded — to Bolton Community College."

Enquiries made by staff at Bolton College, which has since moved from Manchester Road to a new site in Deane Road, to find the painting have been unsuccessful.

Mrs Drury, who lives in Hemel Hempstead, said: "The college knows nothing of its existence, but say they have recently moved to new buildings and a few years ago the old buildings were demolished and the contents either dispersed or discarded.

"Apparently the painting will have had labels stuck all over the back connecting it to the museum."

A council spokesman said: “Our records show that the painting went on loan some years ago but, unfortunately, it has been logged as missing.

"We’re sorry we’ve not been able to help Judith further in her search but wish her well in trying to track it down.”

Can you help Mrs Drury find her lost painting? E mail melanie.wallwork@theboltonnews.co.uk