A CHANCE find of an unpublished manuscript at Bolton Library set historians on a detective trail to discover a “lost” portrait of a member of one of the town’s most famous families.

Now, the oil painting of Peter Ainsworth, whose family owned Smithills Hall in the 19th century, could be restored and put on display at the historic hall.

And the manuscript has been turned into a new book which provides a definitive history of the Ainsworths of Halliwell.

It was while Neville Turner, a Halliwell Local History Society member, was researching another member of the Ainsworth family that he turned up unpublished research by the well-known historian, the late Derek Billington.

Derek, who died in 1992 at the age of 72, was a founding member of the society and a prolific researcher and writer with many local history books to his credit.

So society secretary Margaret Koppens and fellow member David Mason have spent the last year turning the manuscript into a new book about the family, which has just gone on sale.

Margaret said: “In his notes, Derek referred to two paintings kept in Bolton Art Gallery.

“One was of Richard Ainsworth, which was now back at Smithills Hall, and the other was of Peter Ainsworth.

“We didn’t even know such a portrait existed, so it was a complete surprise.”

Peter and his brother, Richard, had bought Smithills Hall in 1801 for the water rights to assist the family’s bleaching business.

However, there was no picture of Peter — born in 1737 and died in 1807 — among the hall’s portraits.

So the society approached the art gallery staff and asked them to check their inventory for the forgotten portrait and in their archives. They soon found the picture — unframed and in need of restoration, but still impressive.

Margaret said: “When they brought out the painting, I was shaking so much that I could hardly hold my camera straight.

“It was so exciting to finally see a picture of Peter.”

Mathew Constantine, senior manager, museum and archive collections, said: “It was donated to the gallery by the Bleachers’ Association in 1969, and it wasn’t in very good condition then.”

He said that although there was not the budget for this kind of restoration, they were planning to apply for a grant for the work to be carried out, probably next year, to improve the portrait painted by J Allen in 1803.

As for the society members, they are delighted to fill in this “missing” family link. Margaret said: “We can’t wait for him to come home.”

l Copies of The Ainsworths Of Halliwell are available at £5 plus 80p p&p by ringing Margaret Koppens on 01204 597644.