World famous celeb’s item found in Coatbridge charity shop

A photo frame with a signature by renowned composer and former Polish Prime Minister Ignacy Jan Paderewski has appeared in a St Andrews Hospice store.

The 111-year-old autograph says “yours truly JJ Paderewski” and sits in between a programme of a concert he performed at with the London symphony orchestra in 1912.

Now the exciting find is set to fetch hundreds of pounds at the charity's upcoming antique fair.

Paderewski was known for his incredible talents as a pianist before becoming Poland's PM and Foreign Minister during which he signed the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

The 111-year-old autograph was spotted in Coatbridge (Image: Newsquest)

Charity shop manager George Thomson, 42, told the Glasgow Times: “It is a really special find. We are really excited by it, anything signed is always worth investigating.

“This guy was a very important character, especially for Polish history, he is really well known and was so talented.

“Not only did he become a globally famous composer, but he also helped end World War One by signing the Treaty of Versailles.

“Now his signature has found its way into our shop, we can’t believe it! We have no idea who donated it but are really grateful.

“It could get around £200 at the antique fair, the Polish Embassy is looking into it as well.”

The frame features a programme of a concert he performed at with the London symphony orchestra in 1912. (Image: Sourced)

The charity shop is hoping the star item will attract more people to their upcoming antique fair on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30 between 10am and 4pm.

It was organised by George who got involved with the St Andrews Hospice shop after losing his dad and seeing how well the charity looked after him.

Now he is devoting his life to helping other families like his own through his love of antiques and pre-loved items.

The concert was the same year the Titanic sank (Image: Sourced)

He explained: “We are organising the antique fair to help raise donations for the shop and have more customers come to discover us.

“People donate all sorts of stuff to us like brand new designer items as well as rare antique finds, I find it so interesting to go through them.

“The money all goes to such a great cause, the hospice really helped my dad when he needed them so anything I can do to help them now is great.

“It would be great if the antique fair encouraged more people to shop in charity shops, it is really sustainable as well which is always a big bonus.”