Its true value was only realised when staff took it to the Antiques Roadshow
Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, a painting by Newlyn School of Art founder Stanhope Alexander Forbes which had been at the Leonard Cheshire care home in Marazion for years and was recently valued by experts from the BBC Antiques Roadshow(Image: Stanhope Alexander Forbes)
A painting hung on the wall at a care home in Cornwall could be worth thousands after its origin was revealed by Antiques Roadshow experts.
The painting had been hanging in the hallway at the Leonard Cheshire care 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 near Penzance.
The creator of the painting appears to be renowned Cornish painter Stanhope Alexander Forbes. St Teresa’s staff spotted Forbes’ name on the painting and took it to the Antiques Roadshow in Totnes, Devon, this spring.
Intrigued BBC show experts valued the piece, titled Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, at several thousand pounds.
Laura Sanders, Leonard Cheshire’s regional director for the south west, said: “This is brilliant for everyone connected with St Teresa’s, both residents and staff.
Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, a painting by Newlyn School of Art founder Stanhope Alexander Forbes which had been at the Leonard Cheshire care home in Marazion for years and was recently valued by experts from the BBC Antiques Roadshow(Image: Stanhope Alexander Forbes)
“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 50 years ago.
Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, a painting by Newlyn School of Art founder Stanhope Alexander Forbes which had been at the Leonard Cheshire care home in Marazion for years and was recently valued by experts from the BBC Antiques Roadshow(Image: Stanhope Alexander Forbes)
St Teresa’s staff believe charity founder and Second World War 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.
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