ANTIQUES experts have discovered what they believe to be a rare ‘Pond Lily’ Tiffany lampshade at a Cheshire retirement village.

The find was made during a new series of events called Grand Antiques Tour, taking place throughout Inspired Villages’ UK retirement communities including Gifford Lea in Tattenhall.

Experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst, along with BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers, had visited Gifford Lea earlier this month as more than 100 residents and members of the local community turned out for free valuations.

If the eye-catching item is found to be a genuine, it could fetch up to £500,000 at auction. A coveted early 20th-century Tiffany table lamp in the same style was sold at auction in New York for $3.37 million in December last year.

Christina said: “It’s always fascinating to discover the intriguing antiques, curious hand-me-downs and quirky finds that people have collected over the years. As an auctioneer you get a feeling in your bones when you come across something exciting – it’s one of the reasons we love what we do.

“The lampshade is an incredible find. If it is a genuine Tiffany ‘Pond Lily’ item, it could be worth up to £500,000. These lampshades are extremely rare and sought after.”

James Cobb, director at Inspired Villages, said: “This lampshade is a really exciting find – and it’s fantastic that it was discovered here at Gifford Lea. The atmosphere in the room was electric and it was wonderful that we had such a big turnout on the day.

“This was a brilliant event for everyone at Gifford Lea and the wider community.”

For more information on Inspired Villages, visit www.inspiredvillages.co.uk and for details on The Grand Antiques Tour, visit www.inspiredantiques.co.uk.