British Working-Class Window Cleaner Claims to Hold $264 Million Shakespeare Portrait
A British window cleaner claims he owns a portrait of William Shakespeare, possibly worth over $264 million, but faces skepticism due to his working-class background. đ #News #WeirdNews #WorldNews #Shakespeare
ST. PAUL, MN – A British window cleaner is making waves with a claim that he owns what may be the only portrait of William Shakespeare painted during the playwrightâs lifetime. If true, the artwork could be valued at over $264 million.
A Family Treasure with a Storied Past
Steven Wadlow, 58, inherited the portrait from his father, an antique dealer who bought the painting from an Oxfordshire estate in the 1960s. Since then, the image hung in their family home, blending in with everyday lifeâuntil a key moment in 2012.
Wadlowâs father, Peter, had been watching a Shakespeare documentary when he realized the face on the screen bore a striking resemblance to the painting above their television. This revelation sparked Stevenâs journey to authenticate what could be an invaluable historical piece.
Experts have analyzed and X-rayed the painting, concluding that it likely dates back to around 1595, the time when Shakespeare would have been in his early 30s. While the portrait bears a resemblance to the well-known Cobbe portrait of Shakespeare, historians have yet to officially validate Wadlowâs claim.
Working-Class Doubts and Determination
Wadlow, who works as a window cleaner in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, believes that his working-class background has led to skepticism surrounding his claim. Despite spending thousands of pounds on expert opinions and analysis, he feels that academics and historians are reluctant to confirm his find.
Wadlow belives people don’t want to accept that a blue-collar worker might hold a historic masterpiece. Even so, he is determined to get the painting recognized.
The only confirmed portrait of Shakespeare, the Cobbe painting, was made around 1612âmore than a decade after the supposed date of Wadlow’s piece.
Though he now stores the portrait securely, Wadlow is eager to bring it into the public eye and prove its authenticity. However, he remains resigned to the possibility that the truth may never fully be recognized, simply due to the circumstances of his discovery.
Editor’s note: Photos used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual subject.
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