An Antiques Roadshow expert was left “heart-pounding” by a collection of Indian paintings worth a life-changing sum.
The BBC programme headed to Caversham Park in Reading to meet residents and hopefully find some valuables.
Expert Adam Schoon was among those hoping to uncover a valuable artefact but was left stunned when he discovered a collection of Indian watercolours worth a staggering £80,000.
“Well, my eyes were wide open and indeed my heart was pounding when I saw the visual feast inside these amazing volumes of Indian watercolours,” Adam told a guest as he gazed at the paintings.
“They were in the collection of my great-grandfather, Major General Henry George White,” the guest informed him.
An Antiques Roadshow expert was left “heart-pounding” by a collection of Indian paintings worth a life-changing sum
The BBC programme headed to Caversham Park in Reading to meet residents and hopefully find some valuables.
‘After being commissioned into the Royal Scots in 1854, he went first to the Crimean War.
‘After that, he was involved in the Indian Mutiny for only a couple of months, so I don’t think he acquired the books then, but between 1866 and 1870, he was stationed in the north-west part of India and that is where I think he acquired these books.’
In the episode filmed in 2017, Adam pointed out a label, known as a bookplate, found within the first few pages of the paintings.
“I may have acquired them in northern India, but I believe these were made in southern India, in Tangor, which is actually at the southern tip of India,” Adam explained as he examined the pieces.
‘There were schools of painters who, following a certain style of Western art, began to do these figurative studies.
‘The drawings themselves, which were done in gouache on fairly thick cardboard, were made around 1810.’
Adam proceeded to look through the books of paintings, noting that his favorite was that of a dancer with two musicians.
Asked how he preserved the pieces, the guest said: “They were probably stored away for a long time and I think they remained in packing boxes throughout my grandfather’s life and indeed my father’s, because my father spent most of his life abroad.”
Expert Adam Schoon was among those hoping to find a valuable artefact but was shocked when he discovered a collection of Indian watercolours worth a staggering £80,000.
“Well, my eyes were wide open and indeed my heart was pounding when I saw the visual feast inside these incredible volumes of Indian watercolours,” Adam told a guest as he gazed at the paintings.
“I think they figured that we spent 74 years packing boxes and it wasn’t until 1988 that we took them out of the box,” Adam replied. “Well, my wife took them out and said, ‘Wow!'”
Adam asked if the guest had researched how much the paintings could be worth, to which he replied that he had “no idea.”
The expert added: ‘I think if I were to put them up for auction, and let’s be honest, the condition is good, they are quite large plates.
‘So my auction estimate would be between £50,000 and £80,000.’
In the episode filmed in 2017, Adam pointed out a label, known as a bookplate, found within the first few pages of the paintings.
The guest was in complete shock at the sheer courage, while the audience let out a chorus of gasps.
“My God!” she exclaimed. “Well, I said I would buy my grandchildren an ice cream if it cost more than £100.”
Adam replied: “Over £100? I think they had a safe bet!”
The guest said, “Well, that’s really amazing. Thank you so much for your whole experience.”
