specialist Fuchsia Voremberg left a family lost for words after revealing what their ancestor’s artwork was worth.
At Aston Hall in , travel specialist Fuchsia was captivated by several paintings and mountaineer equipment that belonged to English surgeon Theodore Howard Sommervell – who took part in two Everest expeditions.
However, it was the 1924 gold medal – which was brought in by Theodore’s great-grandsons – that caught Fuchsia’s eye.
‘He was an incredible man,’ he said.
‘Fantastic painter, unfortunately, I never got to meet him.’
Speaking about the artwork Fuchsia said: ‘I think they’re incredibly beautiful, he [Theodore] had a real eye for composition.’
Although Fuchsia was stunned by the exquisite collection, she found it ‘complicated’ to give a valuation.
‘When you take into account the paintings, the climbing aids, and the sketchbooks, it’s something in the regions of £70,000.’
Somervell’s grandson exclaimed: ‘Man, you’re joking!’ as the rest of the family sat in awe.
Fuchsia asked the woman who was with them: ‘Does that change the way you feel about these items?’
‘Amazing, I have always known he was amazing,’ she replied.
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.
