Treasure unearthed: Paul Henry painting fetches €72,000

A PAUL Henry painting which turned up on the BBC Antiques Roadshowprogramme has gone for €72,000 at auction, well above its best estimate.

Henry's The Bog Road, painted during the time that the artist lived in Achill Island, Co Mayo, had expected to fetch between €40,000 and €60,000 when it went for auction at Adam's in St Stephen's Green in Dublin last night.

The painting was owned by the Toone family who live in England. It had been bought by Wilfred Toone in 1938 directly from the artist.

It was in the family of his grandson David. His wife had it valued on Antiques Roadshow, where expert valuer Rupert Maas placed £40,000 (€45,000) on the work. Mr Toone was too ill to attend the show himself and he passed away before the programme could be aired.

It is the second time that a Paul Henry painting has been sold having been first valued on Antiques Roadshow.

The painting Dooega Achill Island Co Mayowent for €220,000 when it came up for auction in December 2006.

Though The Bog Roadhas a similar theme and location, its sale value, though better than expected, reflects the state of the Irish market which had a bubble of its own during the boom years.

Henry was born in Belfast and studied in Paris. He went to live in Achill Island in 1919 and learned to paint local scenes in the post-impressionist style.

He was one of the most popular painters of the period in the post-independence State and his paintings helped to create an image in the public mind of the West of Ireland.

Adam's director David Britton said the fact that there was eight bidders, with five in the room, reflected the interest in The Bog Road.

“Adam’s is delighted for the family selling this painting, and believes this double estimate hammer price is a good reflection of the continuing strength of the Irish art market,” he said.

“People are looking for alternative investments, there is much more realism in the market.” Mr Adams said last night’s auction had been very successful with nearly every painting making above its estimates.