WORK OF A MASTER

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 78, 1 April 1936, Page 3

WORK OF A MASTER

PICTURES WORTH A MILLION

One of London's most remarkable art exhibitions, in which pictures valued at £1,000,000 were on view, was opened at Sir Philip Sassoon's house at 45 Park Lane, W., recently. It was the first exhibition since 1885 devoted exclusive-; ly to paintings and drawings of Gainsborough, the eighteenth century master.

The pictures included some of the most valuable in the world, two at least being w^rth. £100,000 each. Many have never been seen by the general public before. Even dealers had not seen some of the pictures, which numbered 150. ' .

They were on loan from homes of wealthy owners, from famous art galleries, and from leading dealers. Millionaire banker Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan, the Rothschilds, the' Dukes of Westminster, Northumberland, and Buccleuch, were among those who sent examples of Gainsborough's art to this display.

I went with a noted expert to see the pictures which till now have existed almost as legends rather than actual canvases, writes a special correspondent of the "Sunday Express." Gainsborough landscapes brought the glories of summer to these Park Lane rooms in the coldest February known for years. : ..'-•,'■ The expert pointed to a' painting of children in a woodland setting and said: "We have all heard of this masterpiece. The Masham Children," but few have actually seen it. The picture is worth at least £100,000.".

In the corner of another room were three other famous pictures, valued together at £200,000. One of them was that rarely seen painting, "A Morning Walk," which in itself is valued at £100,000. .

Gainsborough's famous landscapes were there. His love of the country is seen in many of his full-length portraits. He equips his portly, dignified subjects with stout hiking-sticks, possibly a dog or two, and there they stand in their wigs and fine lace against pastoral backgrounds.

Sir Benjamin Truman, founder of the famous firm of brewers of that name, is seen standing by a brook, a weighty staff in his hand. The exhibition was in aid of the Royal Northern Hospital. ■ •■'