This is one of the many little problems we're going to have in emptying my mother's flat. It's one of two oil paintings by (I think) my father's grandfather - his father's father, so my great-grandfather. It's possible that the painter is even one generation further back. The other picture is a copy of "The Laughing Cavalier" - the slightly evil version. Now, both paintings are quite well done for an amateur. I myself would be rather pleased to paint as well as that. But I don't actually want either of the paintings. This one is of - I assume - the Scottish countryside and there are a couple of chaps fishing in the river, but it's not exactly an exciting picture..
It's difficult, isn't it? How can we throw it away? Would a saleroom take it? Would anybody buy it? How about all the things that my beloved Granny (my mum's mum) used to own? (All these questions are rhetorical.) I'm emotionally attached to them but some of them are really rather horrid and one can't keep all one's Granny's possessions. Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
Oooh, I'll take it all LOL! Boy, I feel your pain. How does one fit all those treasures into one's home? Best Wishes -- I know it's not going to be easy. ;-(
ReplyDeleteClearing out a house is so hard. There are things you want to keep, and things you feel you should keep, and things you don't want.....perhaps you could offer the paintings round the family, and if no one wants them they could be donated to a worthy cause, i.e. charity shop?
ReplyDeleteCharity shops are doing very well out of me at the moment but I agree, it isn't always appropriate but their monetary value doesn't make selling an option either. Do you use ebay?
ReplyDeleteTricky.....son or daughters?? Once you get stuck in it will get easier.
ReplyDeleteLesley x
Take a picture and let it go...
ReplyDeleteWe are on the move again after twelve years of not budging, and downsizing to boot as the nest is now empty...
My husband (who is only home at the weekends) just said to me that three months ago he would never have imagined this much progress being made. But the more I do, the more I see needs doing... Sigh. You have my sympathy.
Can't help you there, Mother-in-law threw away practically everything with any family sentimantal value - much to husband's distress, and kept some absolute rubbish (for what did she think she needed a bag full of cocktail sticks and enough coat hangars to service the charity shop?). Most of it was given away to anyone who fancied it and (I fear) some people made a nice profit from silver, studio pottery etc. I know several expensive items never appeared in the charity shop it was supposed to help but at the local auction house, but what can you do.
ReplyDeleteTaking a photo then letting it go, as another person has suggested, is a good compromise between keeping and not cluttering your own home. And if another family member wants it- well, good. If not, you have the photo.
ReplyDeleteI've been helping a friend with her mother's very full house and know the challenges you face. All the best!
I regret everything we got rid of when my Mother and Mother-in-law died. I wish we had hung on to things and thought about it more, kept things in the family.
ReplyDeleteThis is just me. Me, who buys old photographs of other people's families and hangs them on my wall. I don't know about the reproduction painting of an evil version of a laughing cavalier.... but I certainly would not let go of that wonderful painting of the Scottish countryside! I would hang it in a guest room, or a hall way, anywhere, somewhere, but never never would I let that go. It holds the soul of the artist - your great grandfather.
ReplyDeleteMarcheline is absolutely spot on with her comments. Isabelle, I give talks to womens clubs and museum societies, on preserving family heirlooms, particularly hand embroidered linens. Most of my audience tell me that I've helped them make up their mind about keeping things that have been hand made by their ancestors. The operative word is 'hand made'. You are very lucky indeed to have something hand painted by your great- grandfather. Just think of your grandson in years to come, and how proud he could be to have in his possession a painting done by his great-great-great (is that enough or too many greats) grandfather. I wish I did.
ReplyDeleteOh Isabelle...keep the painting! M and Gina are right. It doesn't look too big and one day you will be thrilled you kept it.
ReplyDelete