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.