TWO paintings on the wall at a Goldthorpe church for almost 100 years have turned out to be 15th century masterpieces worth £300,000.
They were part of an altarpiece at St John and St Mary Magdalene Church and were sent off for valuation when the church was renovated. The two five feet high works are by Italian artist Sano di Pietro and have been in the church since 1916. It is thought they may have come from a company Lord Halifax, who funded the church, employed to decorate the interior not knowing they were genuine.
The pieces are on display at the York Art gallery until the end of March before being moved to York Minster as the Goldthorpe Church can't afford to insure them.
