'Thrift Store' Find Connected to Prominent Black Artist Redisplayed

January 8 2025

Image of 'Thrift Store' Find Connected to Prominent Black Artist Redisplayed

Picture: artnews.com

Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:

An interesting story from artnews.com that a watercolour purchased from a 'thrift store' in the US has ended up on display in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The artwork was purchased by Andy Robbins, an HR professional, by chance. Robbins then spent time cracking the work's inscription which reads 'W.H. Dorsey 1864'. It transpired that this signature referred to William H. Dorsey, a prominent black artist in 19th-century Philadelphia who is known primarily for his extensive scrapbooking of black community history. Read the article above to find out more.

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