- Norman Grindley"Street Scene" by artist Carl Abrahams is among a collection of 11 works being offered.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
MAJOR works by well-known local artists of the 20th century will go to the highest bidders during the National Gallery of Jamaica's "Auction of the Century" today at the gallery in downtown Kingston.
Starting at 11 a.m., the auction will feature more than 140 paintings, drawings and original prints, sculptures, ceramics and photographs. Proceeds will benefit the gallery's development and acquisition fund.
Speaking to The Sunday Gleaner as final preparations were being completed, gallery Curator Dr. David Boxer explained that the auction will be a "second sale" as the items were sourced from private collections.
"We are not competing with other galleries in taking new works from artists," he said. "Moreover, we find that a secondary sale does better than a primary one as the works (and the artists) have proven their worth and collectors know that their value will continue to increase."
The pieces in the auction were accepted from collectors who wanted to sell for various reasons, he explained - "selling because they need the money, selling to trim their collection or selling to acquire other works."
Under the arrangement, the National Gallery will earn commission of between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of proceeds from the works sold. Half of the money will be used to assist with day-to-day operations at the gallery, while the balance will go to an acquisition fund through which the gallery hopes to purchase important works. Dr. Boxer explained that the funds have never been adequate to fully develop the national art collection.
Among the pieces being auctioned are sculptures by Edna Manley, David Miller, Jnr., Winston Patrick and Woody Josephs; paintings by Carl Abrahams, Barrington Watson, Osmond Watson, Albert Huie, Gloria Escoffery, Milton George, Mallica "Kapo" Reynolds and Herbie Rose; ceramics by Cecil Baugh, Edwin Todd, Gene Pearson, and Norma Harrack; as well as photographs by Maria LaYacona, Jacqueline Gannie and Cecil Ward.
Dr. Boxer said he expects the two early works by pioneering artists John Dunkley and Henry Daley to do well.
"Dunkley is the rarest of Jamaican artists and his works rarely appear at public auction as sales are conducted secretly," Dr. Boxer explained.
Mr. Dunkley is represented in the auction by an unusually realistic view of the Rio Cobre Gorge with a horse-drawn carriage approaching the Flat Bridge (done around 1946), while his friend Mr. Daley is represented by a piece featuring a woodland scene, depicting his signature "tortured trees".
Dr. Boxer praised the variety of works by Mr. Abrahams, and seven pieces by Barrington Watson. Of the large image of a Rasta Christ done by Osmond Watson ("Triumphant God-Man"), he said: "If the gallery did not already have a similar work, it would have to come to the national collection. I believe it should be acquired and donated to a church."
Two Eugene Hyde pieces are being offered - one is an etching from the 1960s, while the second is a complex mural, which was donated by Courts Jamaica Limited. Full proceeds from this donation will go towards the acquisition fund.
Works by Albert Huie, David Miller and Rebecca Stoddart are also expected to do well.
Dr. Boxer expressed the hope that "the rich historical values of the photographs being offered will recognised, and purchasers will want to buy them."
Pre-auction estimates range from a low of $6,000 to a high of over $400,000 and, from rough calculations, the gallery could conceivably earn between $1 million to $2 million in commission.
Dr. Boxer added, however, that the prices were a "comfortable mix", catering to both seasoned and young and upcoming collectors.
"There are some wonderful pieces that young collectors can come in and bargain for," he told The Sunday Gleaner.
Interest in the auction has been stirred among overseas buyers, and "absentee bids" are being accepted from interested purchasers.
Local collectors have also been visiting the gallery to view the works, and are expected to take advantage of the last minute preview today at 10 a.m. when the doors open for registration.
The auction will be conducted by auctioneer/valuator William Tavares-Finson.
