MYSTERY ARTIST BEHIND GIFTED PAINTING SOLVED
A horse’s head and Disney characters among items treasured by families
Q In 2011, my mother became terminally ill without any warning. She died a month later in hospital, where we spent many nights telling stories. She talked about being the nurse to a Canadian painter in the early 1980s at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. She was pregnant with me at the time and while there he painted a picture for me as a present to her for taking such good care of him. My mom put the painting away in a safe spot to give to me later. However, she was unable to locate it again. Two years ago, while sorting her belongings, my father stumbled on a painting inscribed “To Nick with Love.” It was the lost painting after 29 years of safekeeping. The painting is just 10-by-18 centimetres (four-by-seven inches). The painter’s identity remains anonymous to us since no one can decipher his signature. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Nick, Moncton, N.B.
A Thanks to senior art specialist Doug Payne at Waddingtons.ca auction house in Toronto, your mystery is solved. The artist was born in Toronto in 1930 to an Irish father and a Canadian Indigenous mother. The influence of Painters Eleven member Jock MacDonald, from his studies at the Ontario College of Art, is evident in this abstract acrylic work. He also studied at the Slade School of Art in London, England. Enough cannot be said about this monumental Canadian. One is referred to his fantastic biography in Colin MacDonald’s A Dictionary of Canadian Artists. Names of just a few of his close associations include the aforementioned artist, Norval Morrisseau and Ed Mirvish. Your work is also dated for 1982 by the artist. His name is Jack Henry Pollock. He died in 1992. You have a small but invaluable and striking work of art. The story escalates its monetary value greatly. Without this provenance, its value would be $250.
Q These Disney napkin holders were my older brother’s, which I then got to use and love for many years. My mother made sure they were used, which accounts for the worn painted highlights. They are 7.6-cm tall (three inches). I’d be happy with anything you can add. Thanks,
Shirley, Ottawa
A Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse in the 1920s, which became a beloved comic character. Made from moulded hard plastic, Mickey and Pluto should be marked “WDP” for Walt Disney Productions dating them to the 1940s. They do not show up very often. Value and salability would be slightly higher if the paint was in better condition, but fun is the value here since they are quite durable. They will total about $45.
Q I am hoping that you can help me identify this article that belonged to my dad. The ivory horse head hangs from a fancy piece of brass-coloured chain and measures eight centimetres long (three inches). Unfortunately, one eye is missing. Below it hangs an ivory cut-out measuring three cm long (one inch). I am curious to know what this mystery piece was used for and if it has any value. Barbara, Kitchener, Ont.
A I am guessing that your dad was an equestrian. You have a watch fob from the 1890s, the decorative charm for a chain used with a vest pocket watch. The bit and horse head are mother of pearl. The bluish highlights on the thinner edges distinguish this as the glimmering nacreous shell layer of mollusks (clams, etc.). There was an identical one done in ivory with a horseshoe attachment. The bridle, chain and other hardware is gold plate. The missing eye pupil appears to be a very small cabochon, which could be supplied. This unusual piece meant to charm will attract at least $175. John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the “Contact John” page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*