The buyer, David Taylor, first suspected there was more to the impressionist artwork when he removed it from its frame.
To his amazement, he spotted the signature of Helen McNicoll, a renowned Canadian painter and one of the leading impressionist voices of the early 20th century.
With help from presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould, as well as the expert team behind Fake Or Fortune?, the painting was officially confirmed as authentic.
The Lost Work of Helen McNicoll
The painting, titled The Bean Harvest, was originally displayed in 1912 and 1913 before vanishing from the art world for over a century.
Its sudden reappearance after 110 years has fascinated collectors and historians alike.
Canadian philanthropist and art collector Pierre Lassonde even flew to the UK to examine the piece, calling it “fantastic” and hinting that he would love to add it to his collection.
A Pioneer Rediscovered
For presenter Fiona Bruce, the discovery was especially moving.
She admitted she hadn’t heard of McNicoll before the investigation, but praised her as a pioneering woman who painted abroad while living with profound deafness.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery,” Bruce said, noting how collectors and museums today are increasingly seeking out works by women artists who shaped art history but were overlooked for decades.
David’s “Adventure” With the Painting
For David, the process of authenticating the piece has been nothing short of thrilling.
He described the journey with the Fake Or Fortune? team as “an adventure,” insisting that he believed in the painting’s authenticity “from day one.”
Now, with the painting authenticated, David has already been offered £300,000 by a private buyer.
But instead of selling immediately, he has his sights set on something bigger.
Heading to Sotheby’s for Auction
David has decided to place the artwork in an upcoming auction at London’s Sotheby’s, hoping it will fetch an even higher price.
His motivation is deeply personal—he wants to raise enough money to buy a bungalow that will better suit his medical needs.
“I couldn’t insure a £300,000 painting, so I had to do something,” he explained.
“I’m hopeful it could achieve a record price.”
A Story Fit for Television
The twists and turns of this story have captured viewers’ imaginations, with one source even joking that Fake Or Fortune? is starting to feel like David Dickinson’s Real Deal—only with higher stakes.
For now, the painting remains safely stored in an art gallery, waiting for its big moment under the hammer.
Fake Or Fortune? continues to air on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
