Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Victor Willing attended the Guildford School of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art, studying both painting and sculpture. The painting here, Head of a Girl was likely executed around the time of his artistic instruction, and is probably a portrait of one of his classmates. The contrast between sketchier and more concentrated detail across the surface of the painting is perhaps due to the influence of Francis Bacon, as Willing became acquainted with him during his time at art school. (http://www.exploreart.co.uk/artist_display.asp?SF1=sort_name&ST1=WILLINGVICTOR)