Jubilation at artwork discovery

Heritage chiefs in Shropshire were jubilant today after the largest known 16th century painting of its kind was discovered at a house in the county.

The rare Tudor work, hidden for more than a century in Shifnal, carries the Shropshire Scroll pattern, a decorative design found only in the county.

It measures eight feet by seven feet and experts say it is more than twice the size of other examples.

Its existence only came to light by chance when workmen refurbishing the house in Broadway drilled and then peered into a small hole in a wall which had kept the painting hidden for more than a century.

The building is earmarked to become a restaurant and so conservators hope the painting will at last be seen by a wide audience as diners take in its spectacular colours.

Shropshire Council conservation officer Sarah Lowe said: "It really is a fabulous find. Like so many hidden gems, it came to light purely by chance but we hope many people will in future be able to see it.

"Our next job is to make sure it is properly safeguarded and displayed."