Marble sculpture used as doorstop could sell for more than US$3M

Scottish Court Approves Sale of £5 Doorstop Sculpture Expected to Fetch £2.5 Million

A remarkable turn of events has unfolded as a sculpture, purchased for a mere £5 and used as a humble doorstop, is now set to potentially sell for over £2.5 million. The Bouchardon Bust, crafted by renowned French sculptor Edmé Bouchardon in the early 18th century, portrays the likeness of the esteemed late landowner and politician John Gordon.

The journey to determine the fate of this valuable piece of art has been a lengthy one, with the Scottish Highlands’ Tain Sheriff Court recently granting approval for its sale. This decision came after the local government that owns the bust sought permission to proceed with the sale, a request that went unopposed during the court hearing.

The Invergordon Town Council acquired the Bouchardon Bust back in 1930, citing Gordon’s historical significance as the alleged founder of Invergordon. Originally intended for display in the town hall, the sculpture was unfortunately misplaced and later discovered in 1998 serving as a makeshift doorstop at an industrial park.

Despite its historical importance and survival through a 19th-century castle fire, the bust remained hidden from public view. However, a recent revelation has brought forth an opportunity for its sale, with a private overseas buyer offering a staggering sum exceeding £2.5 million. The buyer has also expressed willingness to fund a museum-quality replica for local exhibition.

While the bust has not been publicly showcased due to its significant value, it did make appearances on loan at prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Following a thorough public consultation process earlier this year, the decision to sell the sculpture was ultimately endorsed by the council committee and later approved by the broader council.

With court approval secured, the next step involves assessing whether the Bouchardon Bust meets the criteria as a “national treasure” under the Waverley Criteria, a process that may impact its potential export. As the anticipation builds for a possible auction, the fate of this once-overlooked doorstop-turned-art treasure hangs in the balance.

This remarkable saga brings to mind a similar tale from 2018, where a humble rock used as a doorstop at Central Michigan University turned out to be a valuable meteorite fetching a substantial sum of US$75,000. Such unexpected discoveries serve as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may lie right under our noses.