Search for ‘lost art’ of museum curator
THE granddaughter of an artist and former curator of West Park Museum is appealing for information on his paintings.
Claire Miller, who lives in America, believes she is the only surviving grandchild of Samuel Moss.
He was the first and only curator of West Park Museum from 1898 until his death in 1935.
Samuel was also a talented artist, studying at Macclesfield School of Art and the Royal College of Art, as well as Paris, Fon- tainbleau and Versailles.
He later worked as a silk designer in Macclesfield.
His only known child was Marcia Moss, Claire’s mother.
Claire, who now lives in San Francisco, is desperately trying to trace a work painted by Samuel.
In a handwritten letter sent to the Express she said: “My mother always told me there was a painting that my grandfather did of a lady sewing and the fisherman to her left was threading a needle.
“It was a watercolour and the lady was wearing a richly embroidered scarf. She said I would have it one day.
“I have grandchildren and if some kind soul could locate that painting I should be grateful. Even a photograph of it would help.”
Claire, who is in her 70s, added: “If I had even one painting of my grandfather’s I would probably not feel so sad that I missed the other painting. But the fact that I have understood it was for me does sadden me. It would be nice to share it with my grandchildren.”
Claire was actually born Norma Sherratt in Prestbury in 1943 but moved to Manchester during the war. She has fond memories of her childhood visiting Macclesfield with her Uncle Ernest ‘Ernie’ Gordon and cousins Ian and Andy.
She later married a Miller from New York and took the first name Claire.
In June 1935 the Macclesfield Courier reported Samuel’s sudden death aged 66.
In the tribute piece he was described as a man of ‘very retiring nature’ but a ‘striking figure’ with long hair and clipped moustache, spectacles fastened by a tape and a ‘curious’ tweed trilby ‘which never seemed to leave his head’.
If you can help Claire email reporter Stuart. Greer@menmedia.co.uk or write to Mrs Miller at 1297, 18th Street, number 4, San Francisco, California, 94107.