6 Aug 2025

‘Lost’ Frances Hodgkins painting valued at $112,000

From Nights, 8:20 pm on 6 August 2025

A Frances Hodgkins painting has resurfaced, and its valuation comes as a shock to its owner - but perhaps not the art world.  

It was bought for around $80 NZD (£35 GBP) in 2019 from the Hertford County Council, which was auctioning off some of its collection. 

The painting was recently valued at over $112,000 NZD (£50,000 GBP).

The unsigned artwork was verified during an episode of the BBC television programme Fake or Fortune by our very own Mary Kisler, a world-leading expert on Hodgkins.

She speaks to Emile Donovan.

Frances Hodgkins, left, in 1920 and in the mid-1930s. Both photos were gifts from Linda Gill.

Frances Hodgkins, left, in 1920 and in the mid-1930s. Both photos were gifts from Linda Gill. Photo: Langfier Ltd, Auckland Art Gallery