That was in autumn last year, and the work remained in his garage until the spring when he decided to investigate the signature.
He discovered that not only was Colquhoun nicknamed McPicasso to MacBryde’s MacBraque, but that all things related to the Two Roberts led back to Damian Barr.
“We’d been in touch with a few auction houses and the National Galleries of Scotland but no one was able to help until we found Damian,” says Jake.
He introduced them to the UK auction house Lyon and Turnbull, which was able to confirm that the work was indeed Colquhoun’s Man Holding Stick. Made in 1946, it is worth an estimated £20,000 to £30,000.
They also carried out conservation work to allow the painting to be ready to go back on display in Kilmarnock.
Jake says he doesn’t know whether his family will keep their new-found artwork or sell it, but they do intend to visit Scotland next month to see it on the gallery wall.
“It’s been an absolute whirlwind of an adventure,” he says.
“And for someone who appreciates art, it’s been really nice to own a piece that has global fandom and is now back in its rightful home in Kilmarnock, with our family name next to it.”