A painting bought for just over £2,000 has turned out to be a long-lost masterpiece worth a staggering £300,000. The incredible discovery was made on the BBC’s Fake or Fortune? with Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould.
The lucky buyer, Lincoln artist David Taylor, was browsing a sale at a regional auction house when he stumbled upon the artwork titled The Bean Harvest. Captivated by the piece, Taylor decided to take a chance on it, and it certainly paid off.
Experts on the show were able to authenticate the painting as a work by Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll from the early 20th Century. McNicoll, a celebrated female artist, was known for her impressionist representations of rural landscapes before her untimely death at the age of 35.
After discovering the painting’s potential new value, Taylor expressed his unwavering belief in the piece from the beginning. He was thrilled to uncover McNicoll’s signature hidden beneath the frame, solidifying the painting’s authenticity.
During the episode, presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould helped Taylor prove the painting’s provenance, much to the amazement of all involved. The team’s efforts were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime discovery that has garnered international attention.
Canadian philanthropist Pierre Lassonde, a major collector of McNicoll’s work, even flew to London to see the painting in person. He expressed his delight at the find and hinted at adding it to his prestigious collection.
Taylor described the entire experience as an “absolute adventure” and praised the Fake or Fortune? team and the BBC for making the journey memorable and exciting. He now plans to sell the painting at auction in the near future, with hopes of achieving a record price.
The remarkable story of the £2,000 painting turned £300,000 masterpiece is a testament to the power of art and the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures. Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary find.
