Diversity In Abundance

Know what? Lets interrupt the presentation of additional charcoal portraits , and substitute some other genres of Diann Kirby's Black Art Collection. 


Touring Diann Kirby's home turned museum, one can easily see that the efforts to fill her collection with a diversity of Black American Art and Memorabilia, were as intense as her passion for collecting charcoal portraits.  I have not as yet passed through all the rooms in her home, but Diann informs me that virtually all wall space has been utilized with her display.  In one of her smaller rooms, I was once again dazzled by some 100 year old Black Americana.

Cream Of Wheat has long been a part of American life.  This porridge-type breakfast made its way on to our kitchen tables back in 1894.  The black chef, who was featured on their box and in almost all of their advertisements, is still used today as their official product icon.  Developed by artist Edward V Brewer, the black chef was named Rastus.  Black icons were stereotypically used in a variety of other products, such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben.


And if you are wondering if the black chef , Rastus, was a real person, then wonder no more.  A black man named Frank L White has been identified as the real life Cream Of Wheat chef, who died in 1938 in Leslie, Michigan.  An etching from the Cream of Wheat design appears on his headstone.

1919 by Edward V Brewer

The Cream Of Wheat collection that you are currently viewing, are actual pages (not reproductions) from periodicals and magazines dating over 100 years ago.  They have been framed and are preserved under glass The magazine pages featured in Ms Kirby's collection with the most value, come from McClures Magazine.





From McClures Magazine



McClures Magazine was published
under that name for only 17 years,
from 1893 to 1910, which would make
these  pages of advertisements, some of
the earliest Cream Of Wheat marketing.
Very rare indeed.  And then, in 1910
the McClures Magazine was published
under a different title, as McClures
was forced to sell out in 1911, when
writing disputes resulted in many of its
staff leaving the magazine, causing
readership to fall off.

As you travel back in time with these
wonderful treasures, one can only
imagine if Rastus (a.k.a. Frank L White)
was receiving any wages or compensation
for his image.  Rastus continues to earn revenues for Cream of Wheat, now
owned by B & G Foods.






McClures Magazine 1907



1917



THE OVER 200 CLUB

Any time you get an artifact from America that is over 200 years old, its a big deal.

America has passed through a centennial and a bicentennial, and before you know it, we will be three centuries old as a united nation.   America will soon have 300 years under its belt as the land of freedom and democracy.  What a standard we will have set, indeed.

Yet, is should always be remembered that America did not miraculously transform all who walked on its soil into free human beings.  We surely would have nothing to brag about now as a leading nation, if it had not been for  a people who rose above the indiscretions of our new free society.  Black Americans, 200 years ago did not get to experience the new "Magic Kingdom" of freedom.

But what is apparent in all of the charcoal portraits of the Diann Kirby Collection, is that the African American citizen never lost sight of their dignity, as is evident by this 220 year old Charcoal Portrait of whom I can only refer to as a "Statesman In America".

"Statesman In America"  -  Approximate Date : 1791   Value = $4000
Size : 15" x  30"  under bubble glass surrounded by a gold leaf metal frame

The Eagle and American Flag crest validates this portrait's age.  The American Flag has been designed with 13 stars.  And so as not to pre-date this portrait, it should be noted that the 14th colony to receive statehood was Vermont, in 1791.

For its time, this frame would have been considered more on the high end.  The entire back of this portrait is shielded and protected with a thin piece of sheet metal, also gold in color, and securely held in place with metal tabs.  Upon removal of the sheet metal, a well preserved fine thread canvas is revealed on which this charcoal was created.

Back of Frame

It would be fair to assume, that the gentleman in this portrait did not just come home from shoeing a horse, or tilling a garden, and then don this elegant outfit just for this portrait.  For his time, this man would have had to have risen to some type of respectable position.  And even if that is true, was probably only recognized by only a select few of his other fellow human beings who had evolved to understand the meaning of freedom and equality in America.

And that is what makes Diann Kirby's collection so important.  On her walls is a family, not related, of fellow Black Americans who 80 or 100 or 200 years ago were surely leaders of their communities.  They have been immortalized on canvas, in frames and under glass, and now collected together under one roof after years of searching, compiling what indisputably is the largest collection of Black American Charcoal Portraits on the East Coast of our country.

HERE ARE SOME MORE OF DIANN KIRBY'S HISTORICAL BLACK AMERICAN CHARCOAL PORTRAIT COLLECTION FOR YOU TO ENJOY.



Forbidden Love?  Maid and Master?  Whoever this couple was, you can be sure 200 years ago they were stoking the coals of controversy.  But brave and confident enough to display their connection for whomever visited their home.  The frame and moisture damage diminish this portrait's worth, but is still valued at over $500



Original Oval Mahogony Frame with Bubble Glass.  Dimensions - 12"  x  24"   Value = $575

The Preservation and Education of the Black American Experience



Charcoals in Diann Kirby's Dining room



As the rest of Diann Kirby's wonderful and diverse collection becomes unveiled for you, my thoughts drift back to an encounter I had with another collector of Black American Art and Memoribilia. (mentioned briefly a few pages back). 

When Diann Kirby saw how awestruck I was with her immense and valuable collection,  she invited me to pay a visit on a friend of hers.  One quick phone call, and we were on our way.  Diann informed me to be prepared for Sarah Ann's collection.

Sarah Ann lived a few blocks away.  I remember thinking, on the way over, "what could possibly be more astounding than what I just witnessed at Diann's home?"




Diann Kirby Collection - Charcoal Portrait - Value = $375

 My question was quickly answered in one brief glance upon entering Sarah Ann's living room.  I was in another beautiful home, with all the regular rooms like a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a den, and lets just say any and all other rooms associated with a functional house, but what I was experiencing once again was a museum.  This was another home with almost every wall and counter covered and filled with beautiful and very valuable Art and Memoribilia of the Black culture in America.  This was another collector whose passion for displaying and preserving her heritage,( from what I could see), was relentless. 

Diann Kirby Collection - Charcoal - Value = $300

As Sarah Ann toured me through her collection, it was at exactly that moment when I decided that a story was about to unfold.  Hidden away in these private homes are fantastic collections of incredible value that have only been enjoyed and appreciated by family members and close friends.

Diann Kirby was quoted, over 20 years ago in a News interview, as saying that her collection was a way to preserve the heritage of her people, as well as to educate future generations.  Diann Kirby has made the decision to reveal her valuable treasures, not just to her family members and close friends, but to all the world now by joining in this elite group of hidden collectors of Black American Art and Memoribilia.



 We are hopeful that Sarah Ann will join in this effort to showcase a compilation of  unique and diverse historical artifacts from each individual collector, for all the world to enjoy and from which to learn. 

Because it is from these collector's passionate endeavors through the years, in the saving and preserving of black american related products, or articles, or art,  that their collections can help us all fully appreciate the impact the African American people have had on our total American experience and culture.

AN INVITATION TO HISTORY

I was out early one Saturday morning. It was a Saturday in May, and yard sales and garage sales began to materialize around each bend, as I drove through the streets of the town.



A SMALL PORTION OF THE DIANN KIRBY COLLECTION



Yard sales or garage sales, (which ever you prefer), are always a pleasant morning distraction. Its like each town becomes a geological Mall, where residences, (sometimes whole blocks) become little stores, where cash and carry is the popular sales technique, and where a great bargain could be found, or perhaps that "one of a kind" hidden treasure.

My second stop on that warm Saturday morning, was at Diann Kirby's home.  She and her friend Nell were having a yard sale and about 50 feet of folding tables lined the front yard, displaying their wares.

It became evident after just my first pass down the line of items, that the products for sale were not just your typical stored basement and attic items, but were actually some very fine art and collectibles.

A brief conversation with Nell and Diann revealed to me that these girls were very intelligent and quite knowledgable on the value of the items that they were selling that day.  Yet, it was only after having a private conversation with Diann Kirby, and a subsequent invitation into Diann's home that I discovered the extent of Diann Kirby's items. 

The conversation went a little something like this....
ME:(picking up a painting, out on the sidewalk), "Hmm, this would look good on my Wall Of Life".




DIANN: "Funny you should mention a Wall Of Life, because I have something similar".



A TESTAMENT TO THE DEDICATION AND PRESERVATION OF A PEOPLE'S HERITAGE



Now, the conversation may have been more detailed, YET that's the gist.  But that conversation led to Diann's invitation for me to view her Wall Of Life.

My Wall Of Life has, maybe, 10 items displaying various photos and events in my life. Very standard stuff. Yet,  during our conversation, there was no clue or hint from Diann on what I was about to lay my eyes upon.

Diann Kirby's Wall Of Life is not just about her life, but it is a wall of other's lives.  Let me correct that....it is not one wall of other's lives, but it is EVERY wall.  And let me correct that one more time....it is not just other's lives, but Diann Kirby's home is a monument to a people's history and heritage.

That Saturday, Diann Kirby unveiled for me, a 35 year culmination of one of the most extensive and valuable Black Art and Memorabilia Collections assembled on the East Coast.

Yet, I was soon to learn that what I thought was some of the most immense and beautiful collection of art and memoribilia ever assembled under one roof, was only a fraction of the items that an associate of Diann Kirbys had collected, and of whom I would soon meet.

The story will continue, but now it is an honor to present for your viewing pleasure, some of the most valuable Black American Charcoal Portraits ever assembled in one place.  Enjoy this trip back in time as these 80-100 year old one of a kind originals are displayed for the first time in public.

<><><><><><><><>

<>

<><><><><><><><>

NOT A CHARCOAL



THE DIANN KIRBY CHARCOAL PORTRAIT COLLECTION

The Diann Kirby Black Art Collection can be considered the catalyst that sparked my endeavors to seek out the most elite and valuable collections in America today.  Ms Kirby's collection is  one of the top 10 Black Art and Memorabilia collections on the East Coast.  It is a culmination of over 35 years of what Diann considered a hobby, (and probably still does) yet currently it has blossomed into one of the largest and most valuable collections of Black Charcoal Portraits in the nation!



 

Researching deeper into the individual motivations of each collector, it became clear that their endeavors were driven by the determination to preserve and pass down Black America's history and heritage.  Whether the collected item was discriminatory or inflammatory, or a recognized creation of unique talent, the collectors that you will meet in these pages believed that the entire story of a people's rise from the biased oppression that they endured,  and how they were portrayed in personal and commercial art, are just as important as the successes and contributions made by Black Americans in shaping our entire American Experience.  Hidden inside a select group of homes in America are a lifetime of journeys to different sections of America, that after returning from their quests, have filled every room in their homes with rare and valuable treasures of the past.

24" wide x  30" tall.  One of Diann Kirbys largest and most majestic portraits from the 1920's.
The thick original wood frame highlights this distinguished gentleman.  Who was this man?

As I begin to present Diann Kirby's most treasured possessions, be reminded that 90% of the charcoals are over 85 years old, with a select group dating back to the 1790's.  Many still have their original frame, and it goes without saying, that each charcoal is a one of a kind original.  I will save the 200 year old Charcoal Portraits to their own personal chapter.  They are a treasure to behold.

The diversity of Diann Kirby's collection is enhanced with sculptures, dolls, photographs, commercial art, and many musical treasures.  But her specialty has always been the acquisition of Charcoal Portraits of Black Americans.  Her passion for this particular form of Black Art is responsible for Diann Kirby having the largest and most valuable Charcoal Portrait Collection in America.  This author invites any person who can dispute or challenge this statement, to present their collection for the world to enjoy, as Diann Kirby has.


 

This 24" x 24" is magnificent in its triple layered wood frame
in gold leaf,  dating pre 1900.  Spectacular indeed!!



1900's original Cherry Frame under bubble glass



Boasting a count of over 70 Charcoal portraits, Ms Kirby reveals to me that she would be hard pressed to remember even 3 of these portraits that were acquired in the same place.  Almost all of the collection has their origins in separate households and antique shows across the country.  California, New Orleans, and New York are just a few of the regions that contributes to her collection's diversity and uniqueness.  Also confiding in me that she is not a great negotiator, Ms Kirby either walked away with her bounty at the going price, or with an inexpensive rare find.

The Blue Shading is so dynamic!  Just love it!





This is just one of  Diann Kirby's walls.  Evidence of her passion to preserve and display her people's heritage and our history

   It is indeed unfortunate however, that the majority of the charcoal portraits displayed herein are not signed or have dates on them.  We can only rely on the wardrobe or furniture depicted in each portrait to assign an estimated date of creation.  Other factors such as the frames and paper that was used, assist in establishing an accurate time frame.  Much of the bubble glass in the oval portraits is unavailable now, and would have to be special ordered should a replacement be needed.


Possibly sisters??  What do you think?





A Family Portrait

 Just a couple of questions to ponder as I release these never before seen portraits of the Black community, who I feel must have achieved some prominence to be depicted and saved for all eternity.  Think about the era in which these charcoals were created. As embarrassing and insulting as it seems to me, personally  now, the Black citizen would have had to risen to a level of importance to even think of immortalizing their image and displaying it.  With a good portion of white America consumed with their own self righteousness, these artistically detailed charcoal drawings could quite possibly be displaying many of the silent leaders of the black community, responsible for the awakening of America.  The charcoals presented in today's blog reveal images of distinguished and proud Black American Citizens. 

 My personal favorites are the babies, and young children, and especially the ones portraying our early Black American Military Soldier.



Not a Charcoal, but I couldn't resist letting you see this valuable collectible


I hope you enjoyed my latest presentation.  I will update this blog with new portraits , twice a week.  Please feel free to comment and illuminate your feelings on the individuals portrayed in each Charcoal.

At the end of each presentation, I am inviting any and all readers who are, or even know of anyone in the country who would qualify to be included with the Elite Collector's of Black American Art and Memoribilia.