A PLEA has been made for the return of missing paintings worth thousands, after they were sold by mistake for just £6 at a car boot sale.
The owner, a woman in her late 70s, was said to be distraught at losing her treasured paintings and her 27-year-old grandson, who lost them, was too embarrassed and upset to be identified.
He took part in the weekend car boot at Brading Roman Villa and said he decided to take the paintings out of the car before loading it with the second-hand items he failed to sell.
"I had the two paintings in the car because I was taking them to get an up-to-date valuation and did not want to damage them with the second-hand goods," he said.
"But I left them on the grass and drove off. When I realised my stupid mistake and returned, I was told by another stall-holder she had sold them for £3 each for charity. It is possible someone just bought them for the frames, which they can happily have. I’m also offering a reward," he said.
"My grandmother is so upset. I just hope the purchaser comes forward."
At their last valuation, Rose Cottage and Honeysuckle Cottage, painted in oils by the prolific Victorian artist Daniel Sherrin, were said to be each worth up to £3,000.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk