Antiques Roadshow expert Frances Christie left a crowd of onlookers shocked when she revealed the value of two paintings bought originally for under £1,000.
The art specialist shared the exciting revelation in a classic episode filmed in Londonderry’s Ebrington Square that aired in 2023 but is scheduled to be repeated on Sunday.
Among the items that caught the eyes of the experts were gifts from a Chinese emperor and a curious paddle from the Pacific, but it was the paintings that piqued Christie’s interest.
“I was really excited when I saw these two paintings,” she enthused as she observed two paintings brought along by a couple of guests.
The Irish seascape paintings were instantly recognisable to Christie, who added: “They are unmistakably by Norah McGuinness, who was born in Derry.”
When asked how they came to own the two pieces of art, one of the guests explained: “I just bought them at different times.”
“And did you know the artist?” Christie probed, to which the owner replied: “I knew her sister very well.”
“I love that you managed to get your hands on two, because Norah, she was a pretty pioneering artist.”
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Christie detailed. “She was obviously born around here but spent most of her life in and around Dublin. She went to art school in Dublin, then London and then Paris.”
As she analysed the vibrant colours of the artwork, Christie added: “They’re combinations that when you talk about them away from the camera sound quite odd, but actually when you see how she’s done it, they’re absolutely fabulous.
“When you see both of them together, you can understand why she was chosen to represent Ireland at the Venice Biennale in 1950.
“It was the first time Ireland had ever shown there, and I think it says quite a lot about her.
“So they’re really special and to have them in Derry is even more special.”
Getting to the valuation, she asked the guests: “Do you remember what you paid for them many years ago?”
“About £120 for that one and the price is on the back of that one,” the owner answered.
After checking the item, Christie shared: “You paid £600 for this one.”
The expert was met with a wave of gasps when she added: “So today, at auction I’d put a value of £8,000 to £12,000 on this one, and on this one I would say £6,000 to £8,000.”
Shocked reactions rippled throughout the surrounding crowds while the paintings’ owner could only exchange bewildered glances.
The guests appeared speechless as Christie commented: “So, not too bad for something you spotted a while ago!”
One of the stunned guests managed to remark “brilliant” as the good news sunk in.
