'Adonis in Y Fronts' by Richard Hamilton 1963.I used to own a copy of this famous silk-screen print. I bought it back in the mid 60's, and it didn't come cheaply. It was one of a run of just 40, and I was extremely lucky to aquire it. It came 'loose', and as I was so ridiculously proud of it, I had it very expensively framed
If you read my last Sunday's Story, you would have heard me talk of an ex-school-friend who bought a perfect copy of Millais' Ophelia when he took over a London flat. Well it was this same ex-friend (Nick Lewis) who sold me the 'Adonis in Y Fronts' print, along with a couple of Hockney Cavafy portrait engravings, that were part of this same job-lot purchase.
A short while later he asked if he could buy the Hamilton back, and, very much against my better judgement, I eventually agreed (he was pestering me, and offering me a huge profit); but I NEVER GOT PAID. And to me that is THEFT.
I would still like to own a copy (or indeed to have my own copy back), but I expect it'd cost £thousands today. At the time it was quite a shock to discover that this person should have behaved in such a back-handed way. Certain school friends remain friends for life; but sadly others become thieving bastards. So, if anyone knows of a slimey little antique dealer named Nick Lewis; perhaps you could send me his address (or an ear, or his scalp, or a knee-cap.....!)
I thought I'd just look up the value of this print on the net. There's one coming up for sale at a London auction house with an estimate price of between £25,000 and £35,000.
ReplyDeleteooohhhhhh!!! now that makes it even worse...well Cro one thing for sure is that life for you is never dull,the great thing about people like this in our lives makes us all the more determined not to be like them, it does not take the sting out of it though.
ReplyDeleteRotten buggar isn't he/ well i hope another finds its way into your hands you deserve it. Carole
I guess you're right Carole, we should 'always look on the bright side of life', di-dum di-dumdy dumdy dum.
ReplyDeleteSTOP PRESS: One good thing about last night's football (Yes, I had to watch it), is that I now realise that I too could play for England! The goalkeeper (Green) and myself have one thing in common; we're both useless. So if that's the criteria by which the team is chosen, then I put my name forward.
ReplyDeleteI sold a whole bundle of big-name prints recently, but I had to wait 10 years for the market to forget them after a crooked auctioneer touted them around London without my knowledge. That print could have paid for your tower! I'll look out for Mr Lewis like an old bounty-hunter, but don't hold your breath.
ReplyDeleteHe's probably in prison. But thanks anyway.
ReplyDeleteCro - ouch that hurt! I can see why Mr Lewis is EX-FRIEND. Can't be doing with those type of people and they are about everywhere unfortunately. I've never seen that print before but can see why you like it. They say that 'What comes around, goes around' would be fantastic for Mr Hamilton's print to return to it's rightful owner.
ReplyDeleteAh Molly. If only!
ReplyDeleteTheft is right!!! Sheesh, you are too nice!!
ReplyDelete