A HOARD of original paintings by prominent Timperley watercolourist George Allen are set to go on public display for the first time, after being discovered in a Herefordshire attic.

Judith Hammond made contact with The George Allen Art Foundation recently to say that a close friend had left her 14 of George Allen’s original paintings when she died 17 years ago.

Judith had forgotten all about them until moving house recently.

Her friend was a wealthy Cuban lady called Margarita de la Rosa, who is believed to be one of the last people to flee from the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

She had moved to Majorca and met Judith in London around 1980.

Margarita was on holiday and the pair became firm friends.

Daniel Allen, the grandson of George Allen, said: "When we saw the paintings we were amazed to find that they were wrapped in tissue paper and clearly had never been framed or hung on a wall. They were all east coast seascapes painted probably about 40 years ago and in perfect condition.

“We are guessing that Margarita acquired them on one of her visits to England as in those days my grandfather was not exhibiting abroad regularly. However, the biggest question for us is how Margarita acquired these pictures unframed as they were normally only sold framed.

“We are also intrigued as to where she acquired them from, why so many, and why she never bothered to do anything with them. We are currently doing research to try to find some answers. Judith has decided to keep two of the paintings and the others are now back in ownership of George Allen’s Foundation.

“Half of these paintings are being kept for our archives and for future exhibitions and the rest will be put up for sale to help raise funds for local causes we support.”

The first public exhibition of these paintings will be held at Hale Library from Monday March 27 to Saturday April 1.

More than 50 original paintings, include the ones given by Judith, will be displayed. Originals and prints will also be for sale and there will be a raffle for one of George’s original pieces.

George was born in Warrington in 1910, but lived in Hale for most of his life and then in Bloomsbury Grove, Timperley, during his later years until his death, aged 82 in 1992.

He took inspiration for water colours and ink drawings from many Trafford landmarks, including Old Market Place and Bowdon Church.

A worldwide search for lost paintings by the artist was launched by the Messenger and unearthed a raft of original paintings.

Opening times for the exhibition are: Monday 10am to 5pm, Tuesday 10am to 7pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

If you have any questions about a George Allen painting, want a valuation, or have any information about the 14 paintings discovered for the attic, contact Gordon Allen on 07742509043 or email serenewatercolours@outlook.com.

For more information, visit george-allen-watercolours.co.uk