The portrait is veiled by psychological obscurity. Like many of his sitters there is an unsettling mystery, tinged with melancholy. Brockhurst has presented his subject for scrutiny but does not attempt to penetrate her character. She is aloof and contained. The back label from 1954 names the sitter as Miss Van Damm, perhaps Sheila Van Damm, socialite and racing driver. (http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/147478303717/woman-in-black-detail-c1935-gerald-leslie)