Mystery of artist behind Victorian Scarborough Grand Hotel painting

The painting is believed to have been specially commissioned the year the Grand Hotel in Scarborough opened

An appeal has been made to help reveal the identity of a Victorian artist who painted Scarborough's landmark Grand Hotel over 150 years ago.

The picture has been put on show at the town's art gallery in the hope someone will know the mystery artist's name.

The pen, ink and wash on paper image is believed to have been painted in 1867, the year the hotel opened.

Andrew Clay, from Scarborough Museums and Galleries, said: "We'd love to know who they were."

At the time it was built, the Grand Hotel was the largest hotel and the largest brick structure in Europe.

It was designed by architect Cuthbert Brodrick, also known for a number of imposing public buildings in Leeds including its town hall and corn exchange.

The imposing hotel, which opened in 1867, was built to cater to wealthy Victorian holidaymakers

The hotel is sometimes described as a calendar hotel reflecting the elements of a year, with the four towers representing the seasons, the 12 floors the months, the 52 chimneys marking the weeks and 365 rooms for the days.

It also has a V-shaped design honouring Queen Victoria.

The painting of the Grand Hotel depicts the building from a location just above the Spa.

Mr Clay, chief executive of Scarborough Museums and Galleries, said: "We can guess from its detail and accuracy that it was made after the hotel was completed and is likely to have been specially commissioned."

However, he added: "We don't have any records about the painting - or the artist."

Mr Clay urged anyone with any information which could help identify the artist to get in touch.