ART FROM THE ATTIC

Artist Graham Sutherland lived in a 16th century weather-boarded house in the heart of the Weald of Kent. His neighbour loved his house and decided one day it would be hers. Sutherland was renowned for his landscapes and portraits, including a controversial depiction of Winston Churchill (above, right), which Churchill hated. The artist lived in the house for nearly 40 years, but after his death in 1980, the lady fulfilled her dream and bought the White House.

In 2002, the day before the Roadshow came to Chartwell, builders were removing an old water tank from the White House attic when the owner noticed a piece of hardboard, used to lag the tank. Seeing Graham Sutherland’s name and address on the outside, she looked at it more closely and discovered it was an unfinished painting. Expert Stephen Somerville happily confirmed the painting was indeed by Sutherland.

VALUED AT: £2,000-£3,000.

CURRENTLY: It hasn’t come up for sale, though it has been exhibited.