An ANTIQUES Roadshow guest was stunned to learn of the HUGE value of an £8 painting she found in a thrift store.
On the Sunday edition of the BBC program, a guest brought with her a rare picture of “Gorospes”, which attracted her attention, mainly because its price was less than a dozen.
Expert Rupert Maas was taken aback by the artwork and explained, “So, not for the first time at the Roadshow, I am a bit baffled by an image that is really outside of my area of expertise.
“He is known, I think, as the Picasso of the Philippines.
“So, he is a Filipino artist, thankfully signed by Paco Gorospe Sy.
“Gorospe Si was discovered in the mid-20th century by a wealthy Filipino collector and promoted worldwide in international exhibitions as an exciting new Filipino artist.
“He died in 2002. There’s something about it”.
Rupert was fascinated by the piece and admired the style of the painting and how it rendered the lights in the buildings and the bustling cityscape.
“And this is probably, I don’t know, the 1960s,” the TV expert continued.
He explained that the artist was best known for his paintings of the islanders of the Filipino nation, but with this piece he created something completely different.
“It’s a patchwork of partially lit skyscrapers at dusk… I think it’s quite interesting,” the BBC expert added.
The guest was surprised to hear the story and was equally impressed by the artists’ interpretation.
Rupert then asked the woman how she first came into possession of the painting.
“I think the more you look at it, the more interesting it gets,” she replied.
“I bought it because it cost £8 at the thrift store.
“When I saw it, I thought it had potential, I thought, ‘I wonder if this is worth more than what I paid for it.'”
Rupert told her she was on point and told her she was worth between £400 and £600.
He added: “There was a time when retailing cost thousands of pounds, but now I think it’s between £400 and £600.”
The guest could not believe her happiness and confessed that she liked the picture better now that she knew its true value.
Viewers were also stunned by the rating, with one writing: “Wow she bought it for £8 and now it’s worth around £600. #antiquesroadshow.
Another wrote: “This picture is great, it’s a worthy profit!! #antiquesroadshow.
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