Antiques Roadshow: Expert values Donald Bain painting
Antiques Roadshow viewers were left in awe as a painting forgotten in an office cupboard was revealed to be worth a fortune.
The BBC's beloved series made its way to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where hopeful guests presented their treasures to the show's experts for valuation.
One visitor brought a vibrant painting to expert Grant Ford, who was thrilled to examine the artwork, exclaiming over its origins: "From the sun-drenched gardens of Edinburgh to the sun-drenched streets of France
"This vibrant oil on board with beautiful colour, is signed lower right 'D Bain '46.'
"And of course, it's by the well-known Scottish 20th Century artist Donald Bain. Now, what's its story?"
The owner recounted the painting's history: "Well, I've known the painting just over 20 years.
"It used to hang in the offices of the company I worked in and in 2018, the offices underwent a major refurbishment and the painting was consigned to a cupboard.
"I retired in November 2020 and my employers very kindly asked if there was anything I wanted and I said 'If nobody wants the painting, could I possibly have it?' So that's how it came to my possession."
Ford, clearly impressed, asked: "What a lovely retirement present! And what do you really really love about it?"
The guest responded with affection for the piece: "I just love the colours and the sky's so nice and blue and I don't know - it's summer-y, it's bright, it's cheerful."
Art expert Ford delved into the history of a stunning artwork, crediting Scottish artist Donald Bain for its creation.
"He studied under William York McGregor, a Glasgow boy, but his real influence was France, he loved Matisse and he loved Cezanne and you can definitely see that Cezanne colour.
"One of his great friendships was with John Duncan Ferguson who is a very well-known Scottish colourist, a very significant artist.
"You can see in the palette of this picture, all the influence of his great friend. So absolutely lovely and in really gorgeous condition."
When quizzed about how much she thought the painting might fetch, the guest admitted her uncertainty: "Truthfully no, my husband thinks it's only worth about £50."
Responding to the seemingly low estimate by the woman's husband, Ford suggested: "That sounds like he doesn't like this picture."
However, the owner countered with unexpected insight into her husband's preferences: "No, he does, he has come to like it since it's been hanging on the wall for a while."
The time had arrived for Ford to disclose his valuation, wherein he praised the piece: "I think most people would love to own this Donald Bain and I think it's a really commercial, vibrant, colourful example by him and it's certainly worth at least £800 to £1,200."
Overcome with surprise, the guest could only laugh as she responded: "That's unbelievable."
Ford encouraged her to treasure the painting foreseeing its potential increase in value: "It certainly is something to hang on to as I can see it going up."
The lady beamed, expressing her gratitude to the expert for his enlightening appraisal.
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
