Travis Simpkins

Friday, November 14, 2014

Worcester Magazine Interview: Two Minutes with… Travis Simpkins

Worcester Magazine: Two Minutes with… Travis Simpkins

Read the full article HERE

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Worcester Magazine: 2 Minutes With… Travis Simpkins

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Research: Worcester Art Museum "Then and Now" by Travis Simpkins. Update #22

-The first photo, from about 1900, was taken just a few years after the Worcester Art Museum first opened it's doors. Note the light fixtures, which appear to be rigged in hybrid fashion: gaslights on top, electric bulbs underneath. This same room today, now the lower level of the Museum Library, has a much more utilitarian office aesthetic. It is far from reminiscent of the old view, but the overall dimensions and the placement of certain doors and window openings remains the same.
-The second "Then and Now" composition contrasts European Gallery 207 before and after the most recent renovation of the space. "The Shipwreck" maintains the same position on the far wall of the adjoining gallery in both views, and in the 2014 photo, Houdon's elegant marble bust of his daughter is seen in situ.

-The sketch depicts the aforementioned 1791 marble bust of young "Claudine Houdon", sculpted by her father, Jean-Antoine Houdon.

-In the 1900 photo below, a sturdy table and chairs used by the Museum trustees can be seen at center. Today, over 100 years later, the same table and chairs are still in use one floor above in the Library reading area. Until recently, the table had long been placed in the European galleries (with a different set of spindle-back chairs). These original chairs were reupholstered a few years ago, and the set was reunited.

Lower Library. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

European Galleries. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Claudine Houdon. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Trustee's Table. Worcester Art Museum

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Art of the Steal (2009): Barnes Foundation Documentary

The Art of the Steal (2009)

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

Directed by Don Argott, The Art of the Steal (2009) looked at the history of the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA and it's controversial move to Philadelphia. The foundation was founded by Dr. Albert Barnes in 1922, who had amassed the world's greatest collection of Modern Art worth an estimated $25 Billion in today's money. The unparalleled Barnes Collection consists of 181 works by Renoir, 69 works by Cezanne, 59 works by Matisse, 46 works by Picasso, 21 by Soutine, 18 by Rousseau, 16 by Modigliani, 11 by Degas, 7 by Van Gogh, 6 by Seurat as well as Old Master works by El Greco, Reubens and others. The documentary presents it's case that the Barnes Foundation was mismanaged and driven to finical ruin in the decades after Dr. Barnes' death… and that corrupt politicians and organizations sought to move the collection (against Dr. Barnes' will) for personal benefit and spite. At the time of the making of this documentary, a final decision had not been made. Sadly, in 2012, the Barnes Collection was relocated despite adamant protest. Past directors, trustees, teachers, politicians and journalists provide insightful commentary in this fascinating film about one of America's greatest and most unique private collections.