Antiques Roadshow guest can’t compose herself as she learns whopping value of painting she found abandoned in office cupboard
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An Antiques Roadshow guest could barely collect herself after discovering the enormous value of a painting she found abandoned in her office cupboard.
The BBC daytime series traveled to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh so specialists could appreciate a range of weird and wonderful items.
One of those experts was Grant Ford, who met a guest who brought a vibrant painting to examine.
He exclaimed about its origins, saying: ‘From the sunlit gardens of Edinburgh to the sunlit streets of France
‘This vibrant oil on board with beautiful color is signed D Bain 46 at the bottom right.’
An Antiques Roadshow guest could barely collect herself after discovering the enormous value of paintings she found in an office cupboard
The BBC daytime series traveled to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh so specialists could appreciate a range of weird and wonderful items (photo expert Grant Ford)
‘And of course it is by the famous Scottish 20th century artist Donald Bain. What’s the story of it?’
The owner then shared the painting’s history, revealing that she had known the piece for “just over twenty years.”
She explains: ‘It used to hang in the offices of the company where I worked and in 2018 the offices underwent a major makeover and the painting ended up in a cupboard.
‘I retired in November 2020 and my employers very nicely asked if I wanted anything and I said, “If no one wants the painting, maybe I can have it?” That’s how it came into my possession.’
Impressed by the artwork, Ford asked, “What a great retirement gift!” And what do you actually like about it?’
The guest then replied, “I just love the colors and the sky is so beautiful blue and I don’t know – it’s summery, it’s bright, it’s cheerful.”
Ford then took time to research the history of the striking piece and credited Scottish artist Donald Bain for its creation.
‘He studied with William York McGregor, a boy from Glasgow, but his real influence came from France, he loved Matisse and he loved Cezanne and you can definitely see that Cezanne color.
Art expert Grant Ford credited the creation to Scottish artist Donald Bain
The owner was astonished to hear that the painting was worth £1,200
The painting by an Antiques Roadshow guest was signed by 20th century Scottish artist Donald Bain
‘One of his great friendships was with John Duncan Ferguson, a very famous Scottish colourist, a very important artist.
‘You can see all the influence of his great friend in the palette of this photo. So absolutely beautiful and in truly stunning condition.’
When asked if she thought the painting would be worth a large sum of money, she replied: ‘Honestly not, my husband thinks it’s only worth about £50.’
Ford then suggested, “That sounds like he doesn’t like this photo.”
However, contrary to her husband’s opinion, the owner said, “No, that’s true, he’s grown to like it since it’s been on the wall for a while.”
It was then time for the valuation, with Ford concluding: ‘I think most people would like to own this Donald Bain and I think it is a very commercial, lively, colorful example of his and would certainly fetch at least £800 to is worth £1,200. ‘
The guest grimaced before laughing, “That’s incredible.”
Ford then encouraged the owner to keep the painting because it might increase in value: “It’s definitely something to hold on to because I see it increasing.”
The lady watched the news ecstatically and expressed her gratitude to the expert for his insight into the artwork.
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.