Uncovering a dumpster full of art worth millions

In 2017 a barn cleanout in Connecticut revealed a treasure trove of artworks, by an obscure artist who'd died the year before. Now, experts say the dumpster art could be worth millions. Correspondent David Pogue delves into the intriguing tale of how a skateboarding mechanic became a detective in order to uncover the identity of Francis Hines, an expressionist who experimented with wrapping buildings, objects and paintings.

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[markharrisllb]

"I’m an uneducated skateboarding mechanics." He listed two things I can’t do and look up to people who can. He knew enough to do his research and well done him.

[JerryFisher]

In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, little stories like these are sorely needed. I love that all this art was rescued. Who knows how much art has been lost in the past, and likely will be in the future because it isn't lucky enough to be found and appreciated?
I regret that I myself can't see or understand the attraction or value of the art. Undoubtedly it involves a lot of abstraction, which I'm not good at, at least not in the artistic sense.
I hope this art finds homes in museums and galleries everywhere. If there is one thing I can sense and understand about it is that a lot of thought, work, and passion went into it.

[buster]

Our "under-educated skateboarding mechanic" hero has reintroduced us to a forgotten American artist. He wasn't doing it to make a buck, he was doing it because he appreciated the art. And I'm very glad the artist's family has allowed him to own the bulk of the paintings. He deserves that. And he is certainly now well educated about the art of Francis Hines.

[daisyy]

A fascinating story. Talented artist, ahead of his time. This worker who appreciated Hines' talents and doggedly pursued information is to be commended.

[philoctetes_wordsworth]

What amazing work. Thank goodness for skateboarding, undereducated mechanics! Good eye. 👍🏻💯👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗

[UandMeGod]

Wow! What a great story! I am so glad this skateboarding mechanic dude cared enough to spend countless hours researching who this artist was and what his back story is! Then he cared enough to delve into the mind and heart of the artist F. Hines! Great job dude!

[QuietlyCurious]

What excites me more than genius itself is the discovery of the appreciation of genius. Lovely story.

[coniwatson]

This man saved art from us losing it forever. Bravo

[TheLochs]

This is a wonderful story, this guy would probably never have gotten so in depth with art if it weren't for this find. Now he's a fan/expert on Heinz.

[janell]

What a great story. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. And, what interesting work.

[lindaweigel]

Fantastic discovery and resurrection of an artist's vision. How wonderful!

[henryposadas]

Kudos for him for renewing interest into the artist's work. He deserves all the monetary rewards that falls in his way.

[infraredthomas]

The value of these artworks was, for the artist, in creating them; for the salvager, in saving them and having the artist recognized. Whether they're worth millions remains to be seen and notably, of less importance in this story.

[sharonmchugh]

Im so happy this man took the time to rediscover this artist; it is meant to be 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[marcelovolcato]

He was smart and realized what he had found in the barn. Kudos to him!

[juliao]

The first moment I saw the art my heart swelled, and my mind was blown, and my head said, " Oh my gosh, that is so cool!". The story is just as cool as the art itself! Life is amazing, isn't it? I am so thankful and glad for every one of you who played a part of bringing this into my life! P.S. To the Universe: I would love to have one of those hanging on my wall.

[A.Rose.G]

There's a movie in this, I think. 96 is a long life. An artist with a touch of fame, an obsession, a barn. A nice blue collar guy, undiscovered treasure by chance, social levels, and obsession again, a touch of fame again. Then the fame the artist never fully achieved until after passing on.

[oscarmax]

Great story! This man deserves every bit of credit and success for pursuing the mystery and resurrecting the story of Hines.

[funwithFred]

I have goosebumps for your find, and your search for his story. It was meant to be. So wonderful to share it with the I think he'd approve. It's going to change your life, Jarrod. What you've found has no price tag. It's priceless. You've given him his voice. Treat it as such. Well done.

[BestFitSquareChannel]

"Maybe Francis can wrap my head around it" ... love this guy... thank you, humankind needs more beings just like you... best wishes...