Painting hung at care home 'worth thousands'
Leonard CheshireA painting which has hung in a hallway at a care home for decades could be worth thousands, according to experts.
The painting at St Teresa's Care Home in Marazion, Cornwall, appeared to be the work of renowned Cornish painter Stanhope Alexander Forbes.
Leonard Cheshire, which runs the home which supports up to 27 disabled adults, said the artwork piqued the interest of a "new, art-loving member of staff".
The charity said it took the painting to the BBC's Antiques Roadshow tour at the Dartington Estate in Totnes, Devon, in May, where experts valued the piece, titled Taking a Rest, A Girl Seated on a Stool, at "several thousand pounds".
Leonard CheshireLeonard Cheshire said the painting was moved from hallway to the attic during refurbishment works.
It said staff spotted Forbes' name on the painting, so decided to take it to be valued after encouragement from the show's presenter Steven Moore.
Forbes founded the Newlyn School of Art across the road from the care home.
The charity said the piece purchased from London art dealers David Messum Fine Arts, was gifted to the home's former treasurer more than 50 years ago.
Leonard CheshireSt Teresa's staff believed the charity's founder Leonard Cheshire was most likely to have gifted the painting.
The charity said both national and local experts were trying to discover more about the artwork.
Laura Sanders, the charity's regional director for the south west said some of the residents first saw the painting when they joined the home decades ago.
"We're proud to have an amazing piece by such a superb Cornish artist."
