STUART Bull Auctioneers near Chard have discovered what they believe to be a genuine Turner painting.

A small watercolour with the name JMW Turner written in pencil lower right of the mount.

It was found behind a family photograph in a frame, in a box of effects from a very influential Welsh family of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

We’ve got our paper expert coming to assess the paper.

The watercolour is of a mountainous scene in a specific part of Europe and the Tate Gallery are in possession of sketches from the same mountain range which place Turner at the scene in the late George III period.

The team say they are also very 'excited' to have booked a visit to the Tate next Tuesday to authenticate the paintings with other paintings.

Stuart Bull Auctions prides itself on association with some of the best experts in the country when it comes to Chinese porcelain, stamps, coins, jewellery and fine art.

Stuart Bull told the Chard and Ilminster News: "Within the effects are over a dozen Sotherby catalogues and receipts from 1930s to the 1960s, proving that the family disposed of any old master works. A Gainsborough was sold for £50 and another old master that they sold is now hanging in the Royal Academy in London.

"The use of grey and blue tones are typical of a Turner watercolour. The perspective, the light and over execution are indicative of a genius at work.

"Having just completed a two month project on establishing the full provenance of the infamous Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali boxing glove we’re so excited to be now working on this Turner watercolour.

"We’re not sure if the signature is Turner's or whether it was done by the person who mounted and framed it, however the trip to the Tate should be quite enlightening.

"At this stage we are only prepared to reveal a teaser image."