Stella Mary Burdett studied at the Slade School of Art in the mid 1930s. It is believed she visited Harvey’s home in Cornwall where she sat for the present work. Burdett was a prolific and regular exhibitor at the Clevedon Art Show. She also exhibited at galleries in Clifton, Bristol. [http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/168244845107/portrait-of-stella-mary-burdett-1935-harold]