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Thrift Store Art Found: $100 Painting Sells for $250K
14 Sep
Summary
- A painting bought for under $100 in 1966 sold for £189,200 in 2026.
- AI helped decipher the artist's signature, revealing it as FCB Cadell.
- The artwork depicts the artist's Edinburgh studio with intricate details.
In 1966, Helene Plotkin, an art teacher, acquired a painting for under $100 from a White Plains, New York thrift store. She displayed the artwork in her home for almost six decades.
In 2025, her son Barry began researching the painting, leading to its appraisal and identification. The work was confirmed as by Scottish artist FCB Cadell, titled 'Interior: The Lady in Black'.
The painting's signature, previously unreadable, was deciphered using artificial intelligence. Specialists then verified its authenticity as a Cadell.
In June 2026, the painting sold at Edinburgh-based Lyon & Turnbull for £189,200. This sale marked a significant return on the initial modest investment.
'Interior: The Lady in Black' depicts Cadell's Edinburgh studio, featuring elements like lilac walls and a model named May Easter. The artwork is considered a prime example from a successful period in Cadell's career.
Cadell was a prominent member of the Scottish Colourists, known for their vibrant use of color and expressive brushwork, influencing modern Scottish and European art.
