Dealer finds important work in portfolio job lot, bought at respected Yorkshire auction house.

It’s always nice to hear feel-good stories – for a change – and this is no exception:

A few months ago we were searching through hundreds of prints and drawings on-line and came across a portfolio job lot, which looked promising from a deceased estate. This was secured. And then the item finally arrived:

 “I couldn’t believe my eyes – it was just another day at the office, searching through mountains of mildewed prints and drawings and no-hopers and then I pulled out this tremendous intaglio print of massive proportions. It was in brilliant condition and as I held it up to the light, I recognised it immediately. 

A first edition 1963 David Blackwood. I’ve always liked Blackwood, ever since I saw the 1976 documentary about him at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where I was studying. It was like I had travelled back in time. It was a truly amazing find.”

David Blackwood (b.1941-) is an important Canadian Artist working in Port Hope, Ontario, with studios in Newfoundland. “With the help of a friend in the trade, Crispian Riley-Smith, I was able to approach the Art Gallery of Ontario, who host the famous Blackwood Research Centre and they in turn kindly introduced me to the Abbozzo Gallery in Toronto. After prolonged negotiations, this has now been sold to this prestigious gallery. 

So, the newly discovered and magnificent work: Fallen Bird – will soon be winging its way back home to Canada. I’m taking this as a good omen and a great start for the launch of our new online gallery: ART SOH0.”* Fallen Bird – edition: 1/25 intaglio print on wove – signed, dated and inscribed by David Blackwood – front & verso – 62.23cms x 52.07cms – was sold for an undisclosed sum.