Auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson was dumbfounded by one of his quirkiest finds ever – a portrait of himself.
The item was pulled out of a bag at a Saturday valuation event held at Bishton Hall, Hansons Auctioneers’ Staffordshire saleroom at Wolseley Bridge.
“I was dumbfounded,” said Charles. “It’s not often I’m lost for words. There was also a painting of my friend and fellow TV antiques expert Charlie Ross. Maybe he should bid for mine and I should bid for his – a right pair of Charlies!”
The watercolour paintings are by 72-year-old retired teacher Pam Renhard, from Great Wyrley in Staffordshire. She has been painting for decades and is a member of Walsall Society of Artists.
She said: “I met Charles and Charlie Ross at an event at Bishton Hall last summer and asked if I could take a photo of them. I wanted to paint Charles with his beard – it adds gravitas. I did the portraits in a couple of days but, due to Covid, never got round to delivering them to Charles until Saturday valuations launched at Bishton Hall in January. I wanted to surprise him and ask what he thought they might be worth.
“I enjoy watching the two Charlies on the TV antiques shows and thought it would be nice to give them the paintings as a gift.”
Charles said: “I’m very grateful to Pam. She certainly brought a smile to my face. I will be at Bishton Hall again on February 5 to do free valuations. I can’t wait to see what might come in.”
Charles will be offering free antique, Fine Art and Asian art valuations at Bishon Hall on February 5 and March 5, 10am-noon. In addition, Kate Bliss will offer jewellery and silver valuations at Bishton on March 21, 10am-3pm. Free valuations by appointment are available at Bishton on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am-5pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon. To book, contact Mark Holder on 07568 397228 or email [email protected].
