Philanthropy spotlight
What is your “Master Work?” Most of us have a favorite work of art in the WAM collection, a piece that speaks to us in a special way and that we return to again and again. At our gala auction in June 2014, we invited guests to think about their favorite WAM art work and bid on the opportunity to "adopt" it for a year with their name on the label. We're delighted that longtime Museum supporters Warner and Mary Fletcher and Chris and Cathy Collins won this unique auction item and are being recognized alongside their chosen pieces until the end of 2015. Below Warner discusses the Fletcher’s chosen “Master Work.” Camille Pissarro, French, 1831-1903, The Duquesne and Berrigny Bassins at Dieppe, Overcast Weather (Bassins Duquesne et Berrigny á Dieppe, temps gris), 1902, oil on canvas, Gift from the Estate of Robert W. Stoddard, 1999.67
“My aunt, Helen Stoddard, and her husband, Robert, acquired this painting in 1951. In 1978 it was stolen from their home in Worcester. In 1998 the painting came to light out in Cleveland, Ohio. Our law firm (Fletcher Tilton) was able to orchestrate its recovery, whereupon it subsequently came back to Worcester to reside permanently at the Worcester Art Museum. This was likely the only time in my life that I will ever play a key role in bringing something of such quality and beauty to a museum...and, boy, did it feel great! Consequently, I feel a strong attachment to this particular painting.” Warner and Mary Fletcher
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– Warner Fletcher