Lenkiewicz - A Voyage of Discovery
2nd September 2003
Robert O Lenkiewicz (1941-2002);
The Painter and Danielle in Candleight.
When fine art valuer and auctioneer Daniel Goddard was commissioned to help deal
with the estate of the late Plymouth artist Robert Lenkiewicz, little did he anticipate
the scale of the task ahead.
Daniel, a director of Bearne's (now Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood),
the Exeter based fine art auctioneers and valuers, discovered that cataloguing and
researching the prolific output of paintings by Lenkiewicz was to become and exceptional
opportunity to not only learn about a skilled artist, but also touch the world of
one of life's truly interesting characters.
For West Country art lovers, there is a marvellous opportunity to see over 150 paintings
and drawings from the studio of the late Robert Lenkiewicz when they go on view
at Bearne's in Exeter from 4th–6th September prior to Sotheby's sale at Olympia
in London on Thursday 18th September.
Robert Lenkiewicz died suddenly on 5 August last year. Daniel said "On the morning
after his death I knew little about Lenkiewicz's life. That changed when Bearne's
received instructions from Peter Walmsley, executor of his estate from Boyce Hatton
solicitors of Torquay, to provide our expertise and assistance in helping to bring
together his paintings and works of art.
"Due to the frenetic nature of his life and his prolific output as an artist, untangling
the web surrounding Robert Lenkiewicz became a fascinating and intricate project.
"The immediate task was to secure the Lenkiewicz pictures and chattels. This involved
itemising and recording his many works, and then moving a large number to secure
storage.
"Once an element of order had been established, we could begin the probate valuation
work. We carefully catalogued, valued and photographed hundreds of paintings and
an eclectic variety of works of art and antiquities."
Daniel explained that the artist's practice of working on different projects simultaneously
in various studios, largely around Plymouth's Barbican, meant that he visited several
different locations. Each time he never quite knew what to expect, and Lenkiewicz
didn't fail to surprise or even shock on occasions.
Continued Daniel: "The now legendary relationship between Lenkiewicz's and Diogenes
and his fascination with themes like Death and Sexual Behaviour went some way to
explain the various unusual artefacts which have subsequently attracted considerable
public interest.
"As more paintings and studios came to light, chronology, themes and personalities
began to fall into place. I was able to identify models and sitters, and relate
them to projects such as Orgasm, Suicide and Education."
Daniel said that now the difficult decision has been made by the executor and the
Lenkiewicz Foundation to sell over 150 works, he understands the mixed feelings
admirers of Lenkiewicz and many Plymothians have about the remaining collection
and its future.
Peter Walmsley, executor of his estate from Boyce Hatton solicitors of Torquay,
agrees with this analysis and said: "It is sad to see a studio collection depleted
in this way. However, the sale does offer an opportunity to save the remainder of
the collection. Many people have a vision for the reputation of Robert Lenkiewicz,
but until the funds and organisation are put in place, how that is safeguarded remains
uncertain."
September's sale will be the first time a major auction of work by Robert Lenkiewicz
has taken place. Daniel said odd pictures and small groups of work have sold extremely
well in various auction rooms in the West Country. Since his death, however, there
had been an element of uncertainty and caution about his worth and importance in
the context of modern British painting.
Said Daniel: "I believe the best opportunity to raise the profile of Robert Lenkiewicz's
work comes from holding this sale in London. Bearne's and Sotheby's have the experience
and expertise to promote national and international interest and, in the long term,
this should help to secure his legacy here."
Daniel said there were many wonderful images among the group catalogued for sale.
As for his favourites, he said: "I admire a thought-provoking and sensitive
portrait of Kevin Gasson from the project Mental Handicap, and there is a marvellously
engaging portrait study of Jack the Burglar seated and wearing a beautiful checked
shirt.
"On a smaller scale is an amusing sketch, entitled: "Come in, I can't be threatened
by shadows in the dark" depicts a queue of naked girls filing under the bedclothes
of a prostrate and largely hidden figure.
"There are of course many beautiful paintings of women, none more so than two heart
searching portraits of Leyla and – of the more challenging work – two studies from
The Death and the Maiden project show ghostly copulating figures against a stark
black ground.
"Plymouth, and the Barbican in particular, will be a different place for the passing
of Robert Lenkiewicz."
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