World · India Bureau
Lost Scottish painting discovered in charity shop, sells for £29,500
A landscape painting by acclaimed Scottish artist Joan Eardley has been recovered after 64 years, discovered unexpectedly in an English charity shop. The artwork, titled Summer Fields, sold for £29,500 with proceeds directed toward medical research.
LSN India ·
The painting, which disappeared from public view decades ago, was authenticated through a paper label found on its reverse. Following verification of its provenance, the work was returned to Scotland for detailed evaluation and study.
Eardley, a pivotal figure in mid-20th century British art, created landscapes and figurative works that influenced generations of painters. The discovery of Summer Fields underscores the enduring value and appreciation of her artistic legacy, with the sale proceeds benefiting medical research initiatives.
The recovery of the painting represents a notable find in the art world, where significant works occasionally surface in unexpected locations. Eardley's contributions to Scottish and broader British modernism have been the subject of renewed scholarly attention and multiple retrospective exhibitions in recent years.
The sale highlights both the market demand for works by notable 20th century artists and the importance of cataloguing and preserving cultural heritage. Experts note that such discoveries occasionally occur when artworks enter the secondary market through estate sales or transfers.