Lost Helen McNicoll Masterpiece Bought for £2,090, Resold for £174,000

A UK auction buyer named David Taylor purchased an oil painting for just £2,090 after it was incorrectly attributed, unaware of its true origins. Expert analysis later confirmed the work to be The Bean Harvest, a lost masterpiece by Canadian artist Helen McNicoll, valued at approximately £300,000. The painting was subsequently acquired by Canadian collector Pierre Lassonde for £174,000. The sale ensures the century-old artwork will return to public display. The discovery has drawn attention to the potential for significant finds at regional auction houses.