Sometimes, the thrill of hunting for hidden treasures can pay off in ways you’d never expect.
That was certainly the case for one Antiques Roadshow guest, who was left completely flabbergasted after discovering the astonishing value of a painting he had casually picked up for just £20.
The episode, filmed at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery in west London, showcased a striking portrait of a young boy lost in thought.
When expert Frances Christie examined it, she was immediately captivated.
She remarked that the piece looked so fresh and timeless it could have been painted yesterday, despite originating from the late 19th or early 20th century.
The Story Behind the Painting
Frances quickly identified the artist as F. D. Oerder, a classically trained Dutch painter.
She praised his skill, explaining how he had captured the boy’s delicate features and reflective expression using oil paints—a technique that highlighted the subject’s quiet thoughtfulness.
The owner of the painting shared the backstory of his find. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, he moved to the UK in the mid-1980s but often visited family back home.
“I saw it in a bric-à-brac shop, probably around 1998,” he recalled.
“As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to have it. I brought it back to the UK, and it’s been with me ever since.”
When asked about the price, he admitted, “I think it was around £20 or £30—nothing I could have imagined would be worth much more.”
A Staggering Valuation
Frances offered further insights into the painting, suggesting it might have been part of Oerder’s personal collection rather than a commissioned piece.
She then dropped the valuation, leaving everyone in awe.
“If this went to auction today, I can’t see an estimate lower than £12,000 to £18,000,” she said.
The guest could hardly believe his ears.
“Really? Gosh, that’s amazing. I had no idea!” he exclaimed.
“Learning about the artist and how he painted this, then to hear it could be worth so much compared to what I paid—just incredible.”
Another Incredible Discovery
The episode didn’t stop there.
Another guest was stunned when an item left behind by previous homeowners turned out to be worth a small fortune.
Filmed at the Firsite contemporary art gallery in Colchester, expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan assessed a rare ironwood pole club.
The guest explained that her in-laws had discovered the club when they bought a house in West Wales decades ago.
Initially, they guessed it might be from Fiji, but Ronnie revealed its true origin: the Cook Islands.
The ceremonial weapon, known locally as an akatara, had been crafted on either Rarotonga or Atiu.
History, Power, and Priceless Value
Ronnie shared fascinating historical context, noting the connection to Captain Cook and Polynesian culture.
Originally a fighting weapon, the club had become ceremonial over time, imbued with the spiritual energy of the warrior chief who owned it.
He even determined its age—18th century—based on its stone-cut markings.
The valuation left the guest speechless: “If sold at a top Paris auction, it could fetch between £100,000 and £150,000,” Ronnie explained.
“Even with minor damage, it’s an incredibly powerful and rare object.”
The guest reflected, “I just can’t believe something like this ended up in an old house in the middle of Wales.
Its journey must have been incredible.”
Antiques Roadshow Continues to Delight
With these eye-popping discoveries, it’s easy to see why Antiques Roadshow continues to captivate audiences.
From hidden bric-à-brac treasures to forgotten family heirlooms, the show reveals that you never know when a simple find might turn into a life-changing revelation.
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays on BBC One and is also available to stream on iPlayer.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn