A SHOPKEEPER could not believe his luck after he unearthed a piece of art by the recently deceased Pendelfin founder Jean Walmsley Heap.
Steven Parkinson, who runs the Want2AuctionIt.co.uk shop in Standish Street, Burnley, was contacted by the local seller who wanted to get rid of the painting.
He said: “The owner told me he bought the painting for 50p at a jumble sale years ago.
“At first glance I estimated the value of the piece at about £20 or £30.
“Then I saw the signature and I instantly knew it had been done by one of the founders of the Pendelfin factory. I immediatley offered him a higher price.”
The funeral of Walmsley Heap took place in Skipton on October 31.
Her watercolour was fiercely fought over by from bidders all over the world on the popular auction website Ebay.
Steven said: “A Canadian buyer was leading the bid every step of the way but was pipped at the post by a Pendelfin collector from Skegness with a bid of £876!
“I think it’s great that her painting will remain on home soil, but it’s important that the people of Burnley don’t forget the Pendelfin legacy.
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