Mystery of painting at care home by celebrated Cornish artist: Roadshow experts say it could be worth thousands
Antiques Roadshow experts say a painting at local Leonard Cheshire care home is by a celebrated Cornish artist and may be worth thousands of pounds.
The painting had been hanging in the hallway at charity’s home for decades before it was moved up to the attic for safe keeping during refurbishment work at the home. The artwork then piqued the interest of a new, art-loving member of staff at St Teresa’s, which supports up to 27 disabled adults in Marazion.
The creator of the painting appears to be renowned Cornish painter Stanhope Alexander Forbes. Intrigued BBC show experts valued the piece, titled Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, at several thousand pounds.
St Teresa’s staff spotted Forbes’ name on the painting, taking it to the Antiques Roadshow this summer.
Laura Sanders is Leonard Cheshire’s regional director for the south west and lives in Cornwall. She said:
This is brilliant for everyone connected with St Teresa’s, both residents and staff. We’re proud to have an amazing piece by such a superb Cornish artist. Some of our residents first saw the painting when they joined us decades ago. We want to thank everyone connected with the Antiques Roadshow for their enthusiasm, guidance and expertise
Born in 1858 and known for his beautiful paintings of Cornwall, Forbes founded the Newlyn School of Art just across the road from St Teresa’s. His paintings, including studies like this one, can fetch thousands of pounds.
This much-valued piece, purchased from London art dealers David Messum Fine Arts, was gifted to the home’s former treasurer more than fifty years ago.
St Teresa’s staff believe charity founder and World War Two hero Leonard Cheshire is most likely to have gifted the painting. The RAF veteran, who set up St Teresa’s on its current site in 1955, was a frequent visitor to the home and Cornwall for many years. Today senior staff members proudly live on Forbes Road, well aware of their links to the artist.
Staff took the work to the Antiques Roadshow tour after encouragement from BBC show stalwart Steven Moore. Held on the Dartington Estate in Totnes, Devon, the day was a big boost for everyone connected with St Teresa’s. National and local experts are still helping out, with staff and residents keen to discover more about the famous Forbes painting.
Media enquiries
Contact Rob Boyland via robert.boyland@leonardcheshire.org. See further contact details in the Leonard Cheshire media team. Out of hours: 07903 949 388.
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