Kettering mayor donates painting he discovered

An old watercolour painting has been donated to a Kettering firm after it was found by the town's mayor.
The mayor of Kettering presents the picture to RCI. NNL-180911-114507005The mayor of Kettering presents the picture to RCI. NNL-180911-114507005
The mayor of Kettering presents the picture to RCI. NNL-180911-114507005

Cllr James Burton discovered the painting of the RCI building in Kettering Parkway when he was at work clearing a house in Dingley about five years ago.

Now in his mayoral year he has donated it to the holiday exchange company where it will sit pride of place in the reception at Haylock House, named in honour of ‘Mr RCI’ Ron Haylock.

The painting donated by Cllr Burton. NNL-180911-114528005The painting donated by Cllr Burton. NNL-180911-114528005
The painting donated by Cllr Burton. NNL-180911-114528005
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Cllr Burton said: “I always knew it had to come back and when I became deputy mayor I brought it up to show them.

“They said it would be lovely and I’m so happy it’s come home.

“It gives me great pleasure to know it’s back where it belongs.”

The painting is dated 1994 and signed by Mary Rodgers, although Cllr Burton said he’d never come across any of her work before when clearing a house.

Haylock House at RCI. NNL-180911-114517005Haylock House at RCI. NNL-180911-114517005
Haylock House at RCI. NNL-180911-114517005
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It shows the grand RCI building just three years after the firm moved into it in 1991, before other businesses moved onto the Kettering Venture Park.

Andy Liggins, vice president of operations at RCI, said: “I think it’s a lovely gesture to have this back in Haylock House.

“I do not remember it but it registers that RCI was the first on the plot and the development around it has been amazing.

“We will be proud to display this painting in our reception.”