Antiques Roadshow guest speechless as he learns gruesome truth behind painting of ancestor
AN ANTIQUES Roadshow guest was left floored as he discovered the gruesome truth behind a painting of his ancestors.
The guest brought a portrait of the unfortunate Earl William Prescott, who in 1651 stood in the scaffold for the Seventh Earl of Derby’s execution to be valued.
It was revealed that the items were given to William immediately after the execution of the Seventh Earl.
The guest then shared the horrifying information that William had been “asked to put his foot on him to make sure he didn’t wiggle through the execution”.
It was confirmed that the horrifying tale was “all recorded by witnesses.”
Adam was left speechless, before responding: “Golly, it’s powerful stuff.”
The expert took a closer look at the unique item and then pointed out it’s defects.
He said: “It’s not in his usual style I’ll be honest, the detail is good but not quite what I expect from Johnson,” before pointing out a few flaws in the painting.”
The antiques specialist then revealed the execution actually occurred “in Bolton, not 20 miles away.”
Adam estimated the items to be worth up to £22,000.
The portrait miniature is probably worth £2,000 to £3,000, and the entire collection is worth a stunning “£18,000 to £22,000,” the Adam continued.
The guest was left speechless at the eye-watering value of the items, as he penned: “I think it would be a travesty to sell them.”