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CASH IN THE ATTIC

Artists leave huge haul of hidden artworks in their attic worth huge sum

The family want to keep some of their favourites but another 130 will go under the hammer

A FAMILY has been left the ultimate cash in the attic find — a haul of hidden artworks worth £180,000.

The intimate collection of 130 pictures is described as a life-long family album of works by respected artists Gwilym Prichard and wife Claudia Williams.

Black and white photo of two artists in their studio.
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The 130-picture collection found in the attic is a cherished family album of works by renowned artists Gwilym Prichard and Claudia WilliamsCredit: WNS
Painting of a man and woman in a bedroom.
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Claudia's 'La Chambre is expected to fetch £4,000 - £8,000Credit: WNS
Painting of a farm in a landscape.
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Farm in Landscape by Gwilym is valued at £2,000 - £3,500Credit: WNS

They were spotted in the attic when expert Ben Rogers-Jones valued their estate in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, following Claudia’s death at 90 last year.

Gwiliym had died aged 84 in 2015.

Ben said it wasn’t uncommon to see works by Gwilym and Claudia in the company’s Cardiff sales.

“Paintings from both artists have graced almost every one of our three-times-per-year Welsh Sale auctions in the last 20 years,” he said.

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“But to see so many pictures by Gwilym and Claudia in one catalogue and one space is incredibly exciting.

“We have arranged the catalogue in a chronological order, starting in North Wales were they met as a young couple and began their artistic journey together.

“Following this is a section on their overseas travels - they lived in Greece and in France where they painted prolifically and established a buying market in Brittany.

“The final part of the catalogue represents their homecoming to Wales when they settled in Tenby.

“It’s a Welsh art exhibition like no other and which is unlikely to be repeated.

"It really is a sight to behold.

Painting of four people playing cards.
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Claudia's 'The Family/La Famille' is expected to sell for £2,500 - £5,000 at auctionCredit: WNS

“Like a firework display, the saleroom is alive in technicolour.”

Their four children have put most up for auction in Cardiff on February 21.

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