The Unlikely Journey of a Sculpture Worth £2.5 Million
A sculpture that once served as a doorstop in the Highlands has now become the center of a heated debate over its future. The bust of Sir John Gordon, created by French artist Edmé Bouchardon in 1728, was recently valued at £2.5 million and could soon face restrictions on being sold overseas.
The sculpture, which was originally part of the Gordon family’s heritage, ended up being used to hold open a shed door in the Highlands before its true value was recognized. It was bought by Invergordon Town Council for just £5 in 1930 but was later stored in an industrial estate, where it remained largely unnoticed for decades.
In recent years, the sculpture’s significance has come to light, prompting discussions about its potential sale. Highland Council, which owns the piece, has proposed selling it to raise funds for the community of Invergordon. However, the sale is not without complications. A report indicated that the local authority’s application for a UK export licence—required for any overseas sale—has been opposed and is currently under review.
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest held a hearing last month after an objection from the Invergordon Museum. The committee is now evaluating whether the bust qualifies as a national treasure, which would prevent its sale.
Highland Council stated that it is waiting for the outcome of the review and will update members accordingly. The report is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Black Isle and Easter Ross area committee next Monday.
Sir John Gordon, who became an MP in 1742, met Bouchardon in Rome in 1728, leading to the creation of the sculpture. For many years, the bust was a prominent feature at the Gordon family’s Invergordon Castle and survived a fire at the property in the 19th century.
Maxine Smith, a former Highland councillor, rediscovered the bust in 1998 when she found it propping open a door in a Highland Council unit on an industrial estate. Since then, the sculpture has been recognized as a community asset belonging to the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
In 2016, the bust was exhibited at the Louvre in Paris and the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, further highlighting its cultural significance. Auction house Sotheby’s has already received a bid exceeding £2.5 million for the sculpture.
Ms. Smith suggested that the interest generated from the sale could amount to around £125,000 annually, which would be invested back into the community. As part of the plans, a museum-quality replica would be commissioned for display in the Highlands.
A report to councillors noted that experts at Sotheby’s believe the current offer represents the peak of the market for the bust. The decision on its future remains pending, with the potential for significant implications for both the community and the art world.
