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Ripper Portrait Found: Victorian Doctor's Heirloom Valued
2 Mar
Summary
- A portrait connected to Jack the Ripper investigator Thomas Bond was appraised.
- The painting, by George Frederic Watts, was valued between £10,000 and £15,000.
- Another find included a 1960s 18-carat gold brooch valued at £3,000.
A recent episode of Antiques Roadshow featured a family portrait with a surprising historical connection. The artwork depicted Thomas Bond, a relative of the guest, who served as a police surgeon and participated in the Jack the Ripper murder investigation.
Expert Lawrence identified the painter as George Frederic Watts, noting the dark, moody portrait was an unusual style for the artist known for vibrant, large-scale works. The painting's unique provenance, linked to the notorious Ripper case and Dr. Bond's early profiling efforts, significantly influenced its valuation.
Lawrence estimated the portrait's value to be between £10,000 and £15,000, a figure that surprised the guest. Despite the substantial valuation, the guest and her husband confirmed their intention to keep the heirloom within the family, with plans to exhibit it.
The show also highlighted another valuable find: a 1960s 18-carat gold brooch. Initially presented in a plastic bag, the small rabbit brooch, featuring a sapphire eye and diamond eyelid, was assessed by expert Joanna Hardy.
Hardy valued the brooch at least £3,000, noting its high quality and potential for much greater value, possibly £8,000 to £10,000, if attributed to a renowned jewelry house like Cartier. The owner expressed delight, having initially speculated its worth at around £1,000.
