Two weeks ago Chelmsford historian John Marriage launched a search through the pages of the Essex Chronicle for the missing portrait of one of the county town's earliest industrial pioneers- Richard Coates.Now the picture has turned up. SUSAN KING reports.

The missing portrait of Richard Coates, the man who built the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal - and considered one of the most important people in the history of the town - has been unearthed.

It has been discovered in the offices of builders' merchants Travis Perkins in Navigation Road.

It appears that the portrait, showing frock-clad Coates at his place of business in what is now Coates' Quay, has not travelled far.

When Coates died, at the beginning of the 19th century, his business was passed to his relatives, the Brown family, who established Brown and Son, the forerunner of Travis Perkins.

The portrait is now hanging on the office wall of branch manager Gavin Hawkes, who came forward as soon as he saw the Chronicle article detailing the search by historian John Marriage for the missing portrait.

Gavin said: "I didn't really know who the portrait was - just that it was someone to do with the company, but I liked it anyway. I've always referred to him as the "Old Governor" and it's good to know he really was part of the early life of the firm.

"I sometimes think he's keeping his eye on me, making sure I do my job properly."

John Marriage said: "I am delighted that the Chronicle has helped rediscover this portrait. It is the only likeness of Richard Coates that is known to exist.

"I think that Coates is one of the most important people in the history of the town, after all he built the canal which opened up Chelmsford as an industrial centre.

"The picture with its stack of timber, coal heap and horse and cart is a little snapshot of Chelmsford's earliest industrial heritage.

"I think it is nice that after all these years Richard Coates is still at the canalside where he spent much of his life."

Hidden history: Historian John Marriage, left, and Gavin Hawkes with the "missing" portrait of Richard Coates.

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