This Old Thing: Art specialist solves mystery of long-lost painting – TheRecord.com

Q. In 2011, my mother became terminally ill without any prior 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” — the lost painting after 29 years of “safekeeping.” The painting itself is just 10 by 18 cm (4 x 7 inches). The painter’s identity remains anonymous to us since no one can decipher his signature. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

Nick, Toronto

A. Thanks to Doug Payne, senior art specialist 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. Mother made sure they were used, which accounts for the worn painted highlights. They are 7.6 cm tall (3 inches). I’d be happy with anything you can add. Thanks again.

Shirley, Ottawa

A. Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse in the 1920s and it went to become one of the world’s most loved comic characters. Made from moulded hard plastic and dating back to the 1940s, Mickey and Pluto should be marked ‘WDP’ for Walt Disney Productions. They do not show up very often. Value and saleability 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. This cut crystal bowl was a 1920s wedding gift of my parents’ neighbour in Toronto, who gave it to me 48 years ago. It is wonderful and is signed with an ‘R’ bordered with a squiggly line on either side. Someone told me the maker is “Roden.” It measures 21.5 cm across the top (8.5 inches). I have never seen a crystal bowl with that top edge. It is in perfect condition and the slightest touch makes a lovely ringing sound. I would appreciate your information.

Carol, Kitchener

A. You have a stunning berry bowl. The Toronto manufacturer, founded in 1891, is Roden Bros. Ltd. As well as producing sterling silver, they made a large amount of cut glass from 1910 into the 1920s. They were taken over by Henry Birks and Sons in 1953. Resonance comes from lead content used to give the glass clarity. The ‘dentil’ edge is unusual and rare since it is difficult to cut and the hexagonal chain design is a variation of a glass pattern known as ‘Double Wedding Ring’ — most appropriate for your bowl. The signature puts your bowl a ‘cut’ above to a value of $250.

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.*

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.*