8-Year-Old Jan Was The "New Picasso" -- The painting which fooled many art students. Painted by Jan, aged 8 years. For three weeks the painting had hung in Birmingham town hall. Art experts visiting the exhibition passed it bay but hundreds of students paused to criticise and admire. They talked of Picasso-Like features in the painting, and of fine tone qualities. Then they started asking who was Jan Michel whose signature was on this 'Masterpiece' named "Mermaid." Jan Michel is the 8-year-Old son of Mr. Ronald Allin, who plays in the city orchestra. The art exhibition coincided with a concert season at the city Hall. July 28, 1954. (Photo by Paul Popper, Paul Popper Ltd.).