fine art
Antiques Roadshow guest breaks down in tears as ‘ugly’ £7 painting gets shock five figure valuation
The picture's artist had a colourful background
AN Antiques Roadshow guest was left utterly shocked after discovering that her "ugly" paining was actually worth tens of thousands.
The guest was left tearful upon realising that she could be sitting on a gold mine thanks to the incredible painting.
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The moment came on the US version of the hit BBC format where an abstract painting originally acquired for $9.99, equal to £7, was revealed to have a stunning legacy.
Taking the painting to the experts on the show, it was confirmed that it had originated in 1947 and was called The Prophet.
It was designed by the American artist John Ferren as confirmed by the show's expert appraiser Nan Chisholm.
The quirky artwork was picked up by the guest on a whim and she told Nan of how it rested on her mantle piece.
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She also told how her kids were not fans of the piece and revealed: "My kids say that it's ugly."
Nan went on to delve deeper into the backstory of the artist and gave the guest an overview of his life.
He was revealed to have worked in art throughout the 1930s in France and Italy and even had a friendship with renowned artist, Pablo Picasso.
Nan was left pleased that the artwork was clearly tagged by the artist.
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She said: "I want to show everyone it not only has the date of 1947...but the artist's name printed clearly so that it can be read easily."
When it came to valuation time, it appeared that the guest had truly no idea just how much it could likely bring home if put up for auction.
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Prompting her to think, Nan said: "Do you have any idea what it might be worth other than $9.99?"
She laughed back and insisted that she did not have a clue.
Having been deemed to be in good condition, Nan confessed that The Prophet could sell for somewhere in the region of $15,000 and $20,000.
Instantly overwhelmed, the guest responded: "Really, $20,000? Wow, that is a lot."
She was left fighting tears as she added: "My kids are all going to say, 'Sell it,' you know, and I'm just going to go, 'No!'".
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