A painting dating from the late 18th century that was discovered here is believed to be a portrait of Fergus founder Adam Fergusson and his family.
Turner Chapel Antiques owner Jed Gardner made the find while appraising the estate of one of Fergusson’s descendants in Oakville.
Gardner said he thinks the painting was created in Scotland around 1787 and writing on the back states the painting is of Fergusson as a young boy with his two sisters picking apples, while parents Neil Fergusson and Agnes Colquhoun walk alongside them in the portrait.
Unfortunately the artist remains unknown, which diminishes the piece’s value.
Gardner believes it is interesting that Fergusson is seen picking apples, as he became well known for his efforts to promote agricultural development in Canada. Gardner says the boy’s bright clothing is typical of the period, with Fergusson being the sole male heir of the family.
“Clearly as you would expect from that time, as the boy was sort of the most significant in the family,” he says.
In the early 1800s after immigrating from Scotland, Adam Fergusson and James Webster purchased 7,000 acres of land in Nichol Township that would become the town of Fergus in 1833. Fergusson settled with his family near Waterdown in Flamborough township.
Gardner is currently conducting research on the piece and inquiring if there is interest in the work. He says a number of factors come into play when evaluating these types of antiques.
“The style of the picture would be considered somewhat naive and it does need some restoration,” he says.
“There [are] a number of factors: how it was painted, the quality of the painting, the condition, the age, the depiction, etc.”
In terms of where the painting will end up, Gardner says he is still considering his options.
“I will have to complete my research and decide where the market might be strongest,” he says.
If possible, he would like to see the painting stay in Canada, but there is the possibility of interest from Scotland – notably Perthshire, where the painting originated.
“This was my first step. I’m putting it out there that it’s been found, but I don’t know what the interest is,” he says. “It depends on whether there’s an international market or if it’s something that would be marketable locally.”
Gardner says, based on his evaluation, he would guess the painting is worth somewhere around $5,000.
“I wouldn’t be looking for a huge amount of money … I would think it would be in the $5,000 range,” he said. “It’s not signed but it’s important historically and it’s a good size and a nice subject.”
Anyone interested in the painting or seeking more information can contact Gardner at 905-338-3252 or turnerchapelantiques@bellnet.ca.
