It was titled ‘The magic of drawings: 50 years of The Maida and George Abrams collection‘. This collection is considered to be
one of the largest and finest private collections of Dutch seventeenth century drawings.
On March the seventeenth collector George Abrams and other experts spoke about collecting these old master drawings, illustrating the many different aspects of the subject. Some were quite practical, like storage and framings problems and how to avoid them. But they also treated issues that come along in loan situations. How are these sheets exhibited? For paper and ink are so delicate especially when old. All these problems were discussed by collectors, researchers and art dealers, giving an idea of current possibilities and dangers.
The Abrams collection, now half a century old, started in the early 60′s and comprises sheets by Rembrandt and his school, but also by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Goltzius, Van Ostade and many others. The Abramses donated many of their fine works of art to the Fogg Art Museum and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich Connecticut.
During the years the couple managed to assemble a most comprehensive collection. Thanks to their effort and work Dutch art from the Golden Age became more and more popular. The quest for new drawings never stops and it turns out that it is getting harder because of competition. However the continuous journey looking out for new chances, must have been very joyful for the couple. Most unfortunately Maida Abrams passed away in 2002. Her husband George decided it was important to continue their shared objective of bringing people in direct contact with art.
For George Abrams, who was a legal advisor, his career in the art world ‘was the most important’ for him, as he once stated. Learning, gaining information and insights, and most of all looking out for new possibilities, is what it’s all about. Susan Anderson, the current private curator of the Abrams collection, ended the workshop with her insights and experiences.
Read more about the George Abrams interview with Gerdien Verschoor from Codart
Or see the website of the Bruce Museum with a short film about The Abrams Rembrandt drawings