ARTWORK painted by a Second World War prisoner is to go to auction in Wokingham next week.

Vashti Marie Vincent, the British artist, painted a scene of Pont Neuf, Paris, in 1937 - just three years later she would be caught up in the Nazi occupation of France and sent to a prisoner of war camp.

During her time in the camp, she would create posters for the theatre shows the prisoners would put on, despite the cold, lack of food and lack of sanitisation.

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These posters currently reside in the Imperial War Museum in London.

Upon the long and difficult return to Britain, Vashti eventually settled in Maidenhead, where she gifted the painting above to a friend.

It is not known how the painting returned to her after the war.

Due to the history of the artwork, as well as it's own high quality, Martin & Pole, Wokingham-based Auctioneers, have valued the piece at £400 - £600 in estimated worth.

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Auctioneer at Martin & Pole, Matthew Coles, said: “Sometimes the value of an item is more about the history surrounding it, rather than the item itself.

"The painting is well executed and will be attractive on any wall, but the story of what was to happen to the artist is compelling and should create considerably more interest."

The painting is set to go to auction on Milton Road, Wokingham, on August 5.

For more information on the action, visit martinpole.co.uk/antique-auctions/.