A remarkable story unfolded on the latest episode of the beloved BBC programme Antiques Roadshow, leaving both the owners and viewers astounded. A painting, originally thrown in for free with a piece of furniture, was revealed to be worth a staggering £15,000.
From Freebie to Fortune
The owners recounted their incredible luck to expert Rupert Maas during filming at the historic Harrogate's Royal Hall. They explained that the artwork was not a deliberate purchase but an unexpected bonus. "We bought the table and the man said, 'Do you want the picture as well? You can have it for nothing'," one of them shared, highlighting the sheer chance involved in their acquisition.
The Expert's Verdict
Expert Rupert Maas identified the painting as the work of David Bates (1840-1921), a respected British artist known for his vibrant landscapes and still-life compositions. Maas expressed his admiration for the piece, praising its "wonderful colour" and exceptional condition.
He detailed the painting's journey, noting it was last publicly recorded in a Birmingham auction house back in 1905. Its reappearance over a century later, with such a dramatic backstory, made the valuation all the more thrilling.
Auction House Excitement
The owners, heeding the expert's advice, decided to consign the painting to auction. The result exceeded all expectations. The Bates painting, once considered worthless, sold for an impressive £15,000 at a specialist sale, transforming a casual acquisition into a life-changing sum.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder to look closely at the art on our walls, as the next forgotten masterpiece could be hiding in plain sight, waiting for its moment on the Antiques Roadshow.
