Pictured above: This work by 18th century English equestrian artist John Wootton, which was discovered in Worcester, sold for £326,000 at Halls 

An art expert from a leading provincial auction house is hoping to discover valuable paintings during a tour of Worcestershire this week.

William Lacey from Shrewsbury-based Halls will be making home visits by appointment to view and provide free professional valuations for art collections and individual paintings from Thursday to Saturday, April 14-16.

He is aiming to build on Halls' successful auction of fine paintings last October when an unrecorded work by 18th century English equestrian artist John Wootton sold for £326,000 to the delight of a Worcestershire art collector.

The portrait titled 'The roan shouldered Arabian with an Arab groom and dog and a landscape and ruins in the background', had been owned by the same Worcestershire family for more than 100 years.

"It was a very exciting discovery and wonderful to find the painting in country house condition," said Mr Lacey. "The fact that it was a previously unrecorded work added to its value.

"The price achieved at auction proves that quality pictures can sell as well in Shropshire as they do in London. In the past, we have sold many valuable paintings for Worcestershire clients and I am confident that there are other art treasures waiting to be discovered in the county."

Lacey is accepting entries for Halls' next auction of fine paintings, silver and jewellery on June 29.

"One of the most exciting parts of my job is discovering paintings during home visits, as sometimes the owner is completely unaware of their current market value," he explained. "There is huge demand for quality works, as collectors are now investing in art as an alternative to stocks and shares.

"I would be delighted to see paintings from the 17th century right up to the present day. Benjamin Williams Leader (1831-1923) who lived in Worcester, was one of many respected Victorian landscape artists who worked in the Worcestershire area and it would be interesting to see their works."