A dusty painting discovered at an antiques fair has brought a pioneer of aviation back into the spotlight.

With his waxed moustache, plus-fours and cap, aviator Jose Weiss cut quite a dash.

In 1909, the Sussex pioneer built the glider that made the first British soaring flight.

He was also behind early attempts at man-powered flight on the Downs near his home at Houghton House, Arundel.

Many of his contemporaries achieved worldwide fame but Weiss faded into near-obscurity.

However, art dealer Michael Attree has discovered a painting by the airman at an antiques fair in Ardingly.

Mr Attree said a picture of an Edwardian church called out to him when he saw it earlier in the year.

He said: "At first glance I would have kept on going were it not for a strange elastic pull I experience every now and then.

"A quick wipe of the grime later and then a luring portal to the past was revealed.

"The oil was on canvas and depicted the interior of a grand church teeming with bygone life."

The name of the artist was Weiss, someone unknown to Brighton-based Mr Attree, but he felt compelled to pay "a few guineas" for it.

He has since researched the history of the man behind the picture.

Mr Attree, 36, said: "There's a warmth coming from the painting and the brush strokes are quite sensitive but frankly it's not the most attractive. The background is very interesting though.

"Weiss was born in 1850s Paris and grew up to become a successful businessman while still young.

"In the late 19th Century, aged 34, he left everything to become a landscape artist in England.

"Weiss also created strange gliders and man-powered aircraft, all based on a bizarre bird-like wing design.

"Romantic names for his flying machines were chosen such as Elsie and Aviette."

Weiss went on to create a number of powered aircraft, all painted in a bright protective yellow cellulose, earning them names such as Yellow Peril and Antiseptic.

Mr Attree, who sports an Edwardian-style handlebar moustache himself, said: "The sad thing is he never painted a single one of his flying machines. For some reason he kept them separate.

"I think this painting dates from 1910 to 1919, just before Weiss died, and he was definitely living in Sussex at the time. So it's highly likely it's a Sussex church, although it is very ornate."

The work is being auctioned at Christie's in London on January 15.

Before its sale, Mr Attree is keen to find out what church is depicted.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact him though his web site www.ministryofmoustaches.ocatch.com