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Frame of Royal artwork discovered Frame of Royal artwork discovered
(about 8 hours later)
The hunt for a lost portrait of the Queen Mother has taken a step forward with the discovery of the frame.The hunt for a lost portrait of the Queen Mother has taken a step forward with the discovery of the frame.
The painting - by Australian artist James Quinn - was removed from a gallery in Arbroath for safekeeping during the Second World War. The painting - by Australian artist James Quinn - was removed from a gallery in Arbroath for safekeeping during World War II.
The artwork, which features the young Queen Elizabeth in an evening gown and holding a fan, has not been seen since.The artwork, which features the young Queen Elizabeth in an evening gown and holding a fan, has not been seen since.
It had been stored in an art centre where the frame - without the picture - has now turned up.It had been stored in an art centre where the frame - without the picture - has now turned up.
Angus Councillor Jim Millar said: "In a strange twist to the tale, the original frame of the painting has been uncovered at Hospitalfield House and returned to the council, although the painting itself remains elusive.Angus Councillor Jim Millar said: "In a strange twist to the tale, the original frame of the painting has been uncovered at Hospitalfield House and returned to the council, although the painting itself remains elusive.
"Local theories put forward regarding the painting's fate include a suggestion that a hard-up art student may have painted over it, but perhaps the most intriguing tale is that of a bonfire in the Seventies in which several paintings and frames thought to be damaged by damp were destroyed. "Local theories put forward regarding the painting's fate include a suggestion that a hard-up art student may have painted over it, but perhaps the most intriguing tale is that of a bonfire in the 70s in which several paintings and frames thought to be damaged by damp were destroyed.
"This may be plausible but another suggestion is that the story was made up to cover the removal of several works of art and that the portrait of the Queen Mother remains intact in the local area.""This may be plausible but another suggestion is that the story was made up to cover the removal of several works of art and that the portrait of the Queen Mother remains intact in the local area."
'Enviable reputation''Enviable reputation'
The painting was said to have been donated to Arbroath Art Gallery in 1936. The painting, thought to be worth more than £25,000, was said to have been donated to Arbroath Art Gallery in 1936.
Mr Quinn, from Melbourne, was commissioned as a war artist to paint Australian military chiefs following the 1914-18 conflict.Mr Quinn, from Melbourne, was commissioned as a war artist to paint Australian military chiefs following the 1914-18 conflict.
On moving to London he painted political leaders and members of the aristocracy and Royal Family.On moving to London he painted political leaders and members of the aristocracy and Royal Family.
Mr Millar added: "It is not the intrinsic value of the painting, which is thought to be in excess of £25,000, it is also the fact that the public are being denied the opportunity to view a work of art by an artist who, more than half a century after his death, still enjoys an excellent and indeed enviable international reputation, and whose paintings remain very much sought after." Mr Millar added: "It is not the intrinsic value of the painting, it is also the fact that the public are being denied the opportunity to view a work of art by an artist who, more than half a century after his death, still enjoys an excellent and indeed enviable international reputation, and whose paintings remain very much sought after."