£2,090 painting proved to be lost Helen McNicoll work, sold for £174,000

David Taylor made an astonishing find at a UK auction when he acquired an oil painting incorrectly attributed to Helen McNicoll for just £2,090. After expert examination, it was confirmed to be McNicoll’s masterpiece, The Bean Harvest, appraised at £300,000. Canadian collector Pierre Lassonde later purchased the artwork for £174,000, ensuring its return to public viewing after a century, highlighting the often-hidden treasures lurking in regional auction houses.