Couple Discovers Valuable Louis Wain Paintings in Skip
A couple walking their dog discovered two paintings discarded in a skip, which later sold for £16,000 at auction. The artworks had been displayed on the walls of their Pembrokeshire home for several years before they researched the artist's background, according to Rogers Jones Auctioneers.
Upon investigation, the couple learned that Louis Wain was a renowned British artist famed for his cat illustrations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
"We always joked they might be worth something one day but never truly believed it,"
"When we initially saw them in the tip, they grabbed our attention as we thought it could be a lovely gift for our daughter-in-law who loves cats,"
said the couple, who chose to remain anonymous but shared their story through the auction house.
After the paintings spent about a year in their daughter-in-law's home, she returned them to the couple, who then hung them on their walls for several years.
"One day, we decided to research Louis Wain and were gobsmacked to see how famous he was - even a film has been made about him."
The biographical film, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy, was released in 2021.
Background on Louis Wain and Auction Details
Rogers Jones Auctioneers noted that Wain often faced financial difficulties and frequently sold his artwork for modest sums. Despite this, he has become recognized as one of Britain's most influential artists.
Auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones commented that while it is uncommon for paintings to be found discarded, it does happen occasionally.
He also emphasized that anyone selling items at auction must sign a contract confirming ownership of the pieces.
Legal Considerations Regarding Taking Items from Skips
The legality of taking items from skips relates to the "theft by finding" Victorian law. Although items placed in skips are generally considered abandoned, removing them can pose legal risks under the Theft Act (1968) in England and Wales.
Additionally, skip diving carries physical hazards as skips may contain broken glass, metal shards, or biohazardous waste.
It is advisable to obtain the owner's permission before taking anything from a skip to avoid legal and safety issues.
