A self-portrait by the Somerset-born artist Sarah Biffin (1784-1850) has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust. Painted by Sarah Biffin who came from East Quantoxhead, the self-portrait was painted in about 1842. In it she wears a fashionable black dress trimmed with lace, and a paisley shawl to which her paintbrush is pinned. On her head is a stylish bonnet bearing a delicately-painted feather. In addition to a brooch, she wears on a chain what is probably the silver medal awarded to her by the Society of Arts.

The acquisition by the South West Heritage Trust has been made possible thanks to very generous funding from Art Fund and the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. The self-portrait will be going on display at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton in 2024 (it is currently on display at Bath’s Holborn Museum).

It is a fine portrait, worthy in its own right. But what is astonishing about it, is that Sarah Biffin was ‘born without arms or legs’. A rare condition now known as phocomelia. Her determination to succeed despite everything was clear from the start. She learned to use her mouth to hold implements and was soon highly skilled in sewing, drawing and painting. She went on to train as an artist and became one of the 19th century’s leading painters of portrait miniatures.

Tom Mayberry, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: “The self-portrait is an outstanding addition to what is already thought to be the largest collection of Sarah Biffin’s works in any public institution. It is arguably her greatest achievement. She neither hides nor emphasises her disability but treats it as only one aspect of the mature, confident and highly-respected artist she had become. This is Sarah Biffin as she wished to be known.”

Her rise to prominence was rapid but her story ends sadly. Sarah Biffin’s journey to becoming an artist patronised by royalty began when a travelling showman called Emmanuel Dukes heard about her remarkable talent. Dukes exhibited Sarah in towns and cities throughout Britain, including in Somerset, charging customers three guineas a time for miniature portraits.

When she was almost 30 years old Sarah’s prospects changed. The Earl of Morton sat for his portrait at a local fair and was so impressed by her ability that he convinced her she should seek opportunities and training in London. Soon she was able to set up a studio in Bond Street and was increasingly visited by wealthy patrons. When the earl died in 1827 her fortunes changed again. Sarah moved to Liverpool where supporters rallied to help her flagging career. But just when her abilities were reaching their highest point, her eyesight began to fail. She died in poverty in 1850, aged 66, and was buried in St James’s Cemetery, Liverpool.