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Wednesday, September 8, 1999 Published at 22:57 GMT 23:57 UK


UK: Wales

Rolf discovers story of Welsh roots

Rolf Harris with the paintings by his grandfather, George

Television star Rolf Harris could be among the bidders for a unique set of paintings which hark back to his Welsh roots.

His grandfather George Harris sold three paintings in 1920 to pay to take his family to Australia and the pictures are due to go on sale once again.


BBC Wales's Alistair McGhie reports
The grandson of amateur painter William Offwood who bought the pictures for �52 and 10 shillings now intends to put them up for auction.

Mr Harris visited London to see the paintings for himself and met their current owner Peter Hill, from mid Wales.


[ image: The paintings are expected to fetch �5,000 at a Sotheby's auction]
The paintings are expected to fetch �5,000 at a Sotheby's auction
It is thought the pictures could be sold for �5,000 at a Sotheby's auction on October 19 and 20 at the Orangery, Margam Park, Port Talbot.

Mr Harris - famous for a host of presenting roles including the BBC's Animal Hospital - could be one of the bidders on the day.

He told BBC Wales that his father had suggested the family move to western Australia to live and the paintings were then sold to fund the trip.

'My heart moves'

"I have been back and forth to Wales. When I cross over the border, my heart moves within me," he said.

His strongest thoughts of Wales are of singing with Dowlais male voice choir.

"I just love it, it puts the hairs up on the back of my neck. It fills my eyes with tears - wonderful!"



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