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The RWA changes its description of the alleged Andy Warhol sketch of Rudy Vallee but fails to publicly name a single expert who believes the sketch is by Warhol

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol has changed its description of the Warhol sketch that they previously claimed in their original press release was "Warhol's earliest work."

The new blurb for the show is here.

Journalists who attended the press call will have a copy of the original press release or you can download it by clicking here.

The RWA formerly claimed that the background of the sketch was coloured with "green and orange felt-tip pen." In a previous article, I noted that the felt-tip pen was invented in 1962 and the work was meant to be from about 1938/39. The "felt-tip pen" claim has been removed from the new blurb but the RWA has still not publicly named a single expert who believes that the work is by Warhol. Warhol expert Patrick Smith has denied the work by the artist - see Patrick Smith statement.

The RWA's new blurb for the show repeats the claim that the work was "unknowingly" purchased "for just $5 (£3) at a garage sale in Las Vegas that included property from Edith Smith, Warhol's former carer." This is despite the fact that Warhol's brother, Paul, who grew up with the artist, has denied that the family knew anyone named Edith Smith. See Paul Warhola statement.

Another claim that is repeated in their new blurb is that "Mr Fields discovered the sketch inside a framed drawing of William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy by Gertrude Stein – a Pittsburgh-born artist writer who was painted by Warhol in later life." Professor Wanda M. Corn (Stanford University) has denied that the drawing is by Stein. See Professor Corn statement. Professor Corn co-curated the "Seeing Gertrude Stein" exhibition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. (14 October 2011 - 22 January 2012).

How can the RWA Bristol think that this sketch is by Gertrude Stein?

Re-writing the blurb on the show has given the RWA the chance to publicly name an expert who thinks that the alleged Warhol sketch is, in fact, by Warhol. But they have failed to name a single expert in their blurb. Why? Is it irresponsible of the RWA to exhibit a sketch "believed" to be by Warhol when they are unable to publicly name a Warhol expert who believes the work is by Warhol?

Warholstars Links

1. Statement from Andy Warhol's brother, Paul Warhola

2. Gertrude Stein expert confirms that alleged Stein sketch is not by Gertrude Stein

3. Statement from Warhol expert denying that the Rudy Vallee sketch is by Andy Warhol

4. Questions for the RWA Bristol

5. Rudy Vallee sketch to be exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy as an authentic Warhol

6. $3 jumble sale sketch is £1.3 million Warhol - or is it?

7. The Preident of the RWA asks if Warhol sketch is "authentic or a hoax"

External Links

1. ITV Bristol (Scroll down for video of broadcast)

2. Atlantic Wire

3. Art Info

4. BBC Magazine

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