Fake Or Fortune: Art Collector Rejects Big Money for 'Lost Masterpiece'

A Fascinating Art Story Unfolds

An art collector is about to make headlines on a popular BBC show as he turns down a substantial offer for what could be a lost masterpiece. This story, filled with intrigue and high stakes, has captivated audiences and art enthusiasts alike.

David Taylor, an artist who originally bought the oil canvas for £2000 based solely on its visual appeal, found out that the painting was actually a long-lost artwork by the renowned 20th-century Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll. The painting, titled The Bean Harvest, had been missing for 110 years, last seen at an exhibition at London's Royal Academy in 1915.

David appeared on the BBC programme Fake Or Fortune? last year, where presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould helped him confirm the painting’s authenticity. It was during this process that the artist discovered Helen McNicoll’s signature after removing the artwork from its frame. Art dealer Philip estimated the piece to be worth between £150,000 and £200,000.

Helen McNicoll, who became deaf at the age of two, is celebrated for her impressionist depictions of rural landscapes. Her career, however, was tragically cut short in 1915 when she died at the age of 35 due to complications from diabetes.

After the show, David expressed a desire to sell the painting. A billionaire philanthropist and private collector named Pierre Lassonde, known for his extensive collection of McNicoll's work, showed interest in acquiring the piece. Pierre traveled to London to view the painting in person and offered David a staggering £300,000 for it.

Pierre remarked, "For a painting that has been missing for 110 years, I think it's fantastic... I wouldn't mind adding one more piece to my collection." Despite this tempting offer, David chose to reject it and instead decided to take a chance at auction.

His decision came with a specific purpose. David hoped that the proceeds from the sale would help fund the purchase of a bungalow he needed for health reasons. He explained, "I needed to sell it. I couldn't insure a £300,000 painting so I had to do something with it."

Sotheby's, the renowned auction house in London, was set to handle the sale. David believed this was the perfect opportunity, stating, "I am hoping for a record price."

The outcome of the auction will be revealed in an upcoming episode of Fake Or Fortune: What Happened Next. Host Fiona Bruce commented on the situation, saying, "There's some high drama with this picture."

A source from The Mirror noted, "Who'd guessed that Fake Or Fortune? would end up like David Dickenson's Real Deal? Owner rejects a huge offer and tries his luck at auction, it's gripping stuff."

An insider added, "Viewers are left waiting until the very last minutes of the show to find out whether he is a big winner - or a big loser."

The results of the auction will be aired on Fake Or Fortune: What Happened Next on Monday, 25 August, at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.