HIDDEN GEM
I bought a painting for £8 at a car boot sale – I was floored to learn it’s worth THOUSANDS thanks to signature mark
Rupert Maas was eager to tell the artwork's owner the terrific history and meaning behind the painting
AN Antiques Roadshow guest was floored after discovering that her £8 car boot sale painting was now worth thousands thanks to its signature markings.
Fiona Bruce hosted the latest episode of the long-running BBC series, where guests handed in their treasured items to experts for valuation at Ham House, located in Richmond-upon-Thames.
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During a classic instalment of the Antiques Roadshow on Sunday, Rupert Maas was presented with a striking image of a nesting bird, which was bought at a car boot sale a decade ago for only £8.
The woman who brought in the eye-catching artwork was not only interested in finding out how much the painting would be worth at auction, but also wanted to learn about its history.
And Rupert was eager to tell the artwork's owner all about it.
The painting specialist began reflecting: "Now, this has come a very long way to be here today."
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He added: "He's from the Belgian Congo, now the Democratic Republic of Congo 1995, and it's by Pilipili.
“Now, he was a most interesting character, but before I tell you about him, how on Earth did it find its way to you?"
As the guest smiled, she told Rupert that she purchased the artwork at a car boot sale almost a decade ago.
She said: "I just saw it and really loved it."
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Rupert scoffed and replied: "A car boot sale? Of course. Where else? But I just love the little secret world generated by this artist."
He revealed that the artist had drawn the undergrowth "in such a clever way" that the guinea fowl seemed to hide safely in it away from all predators.
Within the painting, an extra pop of colour is added as stems of foliage grow around the bird, which is surrounded by pink flowers.
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Rupert continued to tell the owner: "It looks to me like it's done not with a brush so much, but the end of a stick.
“You dip it in the pigment, and you go, dub, dub, dub all over it to make patterns.
"It's as much about pattern as it is about the form of the animal on her eight eggs or so."
The guest was bursting to learn how the painting had ended up in England and wondered if the artist who created it had been successful in the UK.
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Rupert explained to her that the artist was quite well-known in the francophone world, saying: "If he was known anywhere in the world, it was Brussels or perhaps in Paris. So I can't really account for it ending up in a car boot sale in England."
The expert then revealed to the owner that the striking artwork was worth between £2,000 and £3,000 at least.
The guest was shocked and almost lost for words as she stuttered: “Oh, well, thank you very much!"
Last week on Antiques Roadshow, another guest was left stunned after discovering how much her family heirloom was worth.
Expert Joanna Hardy examined the diamond brooch in the shape of a bird that had been passed through the generations.
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The expert revealed that the precious item was now worth between £25,000 and £30,000.
Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays at 8pm on One and iPlayer.
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