Henry Tuke charity shop painting sells for £20,000 at auction

The painting is thought to depict one of Tuke's regular models, Charlie Mitchell

A painting donated to a charity shop, which turned out to be the work of a renowned artist, has sold for a record figure at auction.

The painting by Yorkshire-born artist Henry Tuke was sold by Batemans Auctioneers in Stamford.

Tuke is best known for his paintings of boys and young men, and despite the artwork being unsigned, it sold for £20,000.

It was bought by a UK collector, senior valuer Greg Bateman said.

Mr Bateman said he was "stunned" when the oil painting, believed to have been created by Tuke in around 1915, emerged from a shopping bag.

The artwork had an opening bid of £520, but was the "most watched lot" across all platforms in this sale, Mr Bateman said.

"It took 88 bids and about six minutes to reach its wonderful total."

Mr Bateman said it was the most expensive painting the auction house had ever sold, and the third most expensive lot ever.

"Such an incredible story deserves an incredible ending, and this doesn't disappoint," he added.

Henry Tuke

• Henry Scott Tuke (1858 to 1929) was born in York, but later moved to Falmouth in Cornwall

• His most notable work was in the Impressionist style, and he is best known for his paintings of nude boys and young men

• In addition to his achievements as a figurative painter, he was an established maritime artist and produced many portraits of sailing ships

Source: Tate Galler