Unknown soldier’s 'worthless' cat-inspired art goes viral ahead of auction
Cat-inspired artwork by an unknown Second World War soldier could stun at auction after languishing in a loft for more than 70 years – and being dismissed as worthless.
Antiques experts and a war museum told the owner of two manuscript illustrated books from 1943 featuring a cat’s take on army camp life that they were of no value.
But Jim Spencer, who works on paper and books specialist at Hansons Auctioneers, disagrees. He has hailed the artwork as ‘brilliant’ and ‘like a beautiful children’s book’.
When he asked his Twitter followers for their opinion it sparked viral raptures of delight and interest from US publishers. The thread sparked 650 retweets and thousands of likes and comments.
One reply said: "This is magnificent! The quality, the commitment, the insight, the charm - appalled that they were rejected by people who really should have known better."
Pic: Books valuer Jim Spencer with the manuscript. Credit: Hansons.
