MYSTERY is surrounding a painting by one of Southampton's leading artists after a restorer found an extra figure in it.

Former Winchester mayor Jeffrey Smith sent the 19th century painting by William Shayer for restoration after owning it for 40 years. Mr Smith, from Winchester, wanted to restore the £15,000 oil painting of Shayer's family because it had faded over the 150 years since it was painted.

Shayer 1788-1879, who was born in French Street, Southampton, had painted his family outside his cottage in Shirley when it was then a quiet country village on the outskirts of the bustling port.

Mr Smith sent the painting to Noel James of Lacewing fine art restorers in Winchester.

Mr James said: "I was cleaning it and I noticed that the trees were dark and oppressive and I would not expect that of Shayer. Then a bit of paint fell off, which looked like a stone and I thought: 'Oh God, what am I going to do'"

More bits of paint fell off as Mr James continued cleaning until he saw a shoe.

Eventually he uncovered Shayer's beautiful daughter Jenny, who had been painted over years before.

Now Mr Smith and Mr James would love to find out why Jenny was painted over.

Mr Smith said: "It's a mystery. But I reckon it was probably stolen long ago and the figure was painted out to disguise it. But it could have been a number of reasons. He might have fallen out with his daughter. Maybe he didn't like the picture.

"The extra figure makes it a much more interesting picture. I didn't know it had an extra figure in it until I had it restored but I am puzzled and delighted it has appeared."

And Mr James added: "The girl in the painting makes sense, it's wonderful to find it."

He also said that the Shayers were an artistic family and his son Charles, who is in the picture, was also an accomplished artist. All the family's paintings are much sought after and many consider Shayer to be Southampton's finest artist.

If you know anything about the picture contact the Daily Echo on 01962 841433.

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