A small oil painting by Canaletto discovered during a routine house valuation at Lewes in Sussex will come under the hammer at Gorringes on September 28. Hidden from public view for more than a century it was purchased in 1920 by the mother of a recently deceased homeowner in Lewes, Sussex. The painting of Dogana da Mar in Venice measures just 18in x 12in and was hanging in her drawing room. Gorringes have valued it at £150,000 and expect much interest. The most recent owner knew that it was by Canaletto but chose not to sell it. Philip Taylor, managing partner at the Lewes-based auction house Gorringes, said he had never come across an original Canaletto during his 50 years in the profession.
