Valuable bust of Sir John Gordon discovered after disappearing for decades
A sculpture that was once used to prop open a shed door could fetch around £3million if sold. The bust of Highland landowner Sir John Gordon was acquired by Invergordon Town Council for just £5 in the 1930s. Created by French artist Edmé Bouchardon in 1728, the sculpture went missing before resurfacing on an industrial estate in 1998.
Overseas buyer interested in purchasing the sculpture
The sculpture, now owned by Highland Council, has attracted the attention of an overseas buyer through auction company Sotheby's. The buyer has reportedly offered upwards of £2.5m for the artwork. The Easter Ross committee will convene next week to discuss the bid and consider various factors before making a decision.
Decision to sell sparks debate
Members of the committee have been urged to seek views from the Invergordon community before deciding whether or not to sell the bust. Sotheby's experts have offered to meet with the committee to provide advice and answer any questions. If the sale goes through, the proceeds will be given to the Invergordon Common Good Fund, which supports local projects.
Art historian urges preservation
Art historian Dr Bendor Grosvenor expressed concern about the potential sale of the sculpture to an overseas buyer. He suggested that the artwork could be lent to museums in Scotland instead. Dr Grosvenor argued that the Highland Council had acquired the sculpture for free and should consider alternatives to selling it for a large sum of money.
£5 note sells for £32,000
In a separate auction, an "exceptionally rare" £5 note from 1900 was sold for £32,000 – a staggering 6,400 times its original value.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/money/outgoing-morrisons-ceo-urges-older-workers-to-rejoin-workforce-amid-economic-struggles/
