Last week the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow (now in its 38th year) visited Lyme Park in Disley, Stockport, some four miles from MAN Diesel & Turbo UK’s (MDT-UK) Headquarters in Hazel Grove where among the many items on display was an oil painting of the famous Victorian engineer George Stephenson, which, as visitors to MDT-UK’s Headquarters will know, hangs proudly on the wall on the second floor landing.
Aboove: George Stephenson at Lyme Park with MDT-UK’s team for BBC’s Antiques Road Show
The oil painting dates from 1845 and was filmed for the show with General Counsel Louise Durose representing MAN and resident art expert Philip Mould offering advice and information on behalf of the BBC.
The painting was originally in the Board Room at Ruston Diesels in Newton-le-Willows. At the Vulcan Works in Newton-le-Willows in the 1800s, George’s son Robert established himself as one of the top engineers in the country. In 2000, Ruston Diesels became part of the MAN Group and the painting remains with the company.
The filming at Lyme Park is part of the current Antiques Roadshow series airing on Sundays on BBC One although an exact date for transmission is as yet unknown.
As for the painting’s value, people will just have to tune in to find out!