IFC Films, Sundance Selects
Albert Barnes
This is a documentary and is available on NetFlix “Watch Instantly”. This is an interesting documentary into the treasure of Post-imporessionist paintings collect by Albert Barnes who passed away in 1951. It included amazing Renoirs, Gaugins, El Grecos, Goyas, Monets, Van Goghs, Picassos and many others. Dr. Barnes was an inventor and made a fortune from a medicinal solution called Argyrol. Dr. Barnes died in 1951. After his death, a group was formed called the “Barnes Foundation”. Dr. Barnes had a part in his will that stated that the paintings must NEVER be removed from the walls where they are currently hung, and that they should stay there forever. His other requirement was that they be used for educational purposes.
The house in Lower Marion, Pennsylvania where the art is housed was opened to the public, initally 2 days a week. Over time it became more accessible, but it still required advanced appointments, and is located in a residential area seriously restricting public access. There were also some issues with the condition of the property and of course some financial considerations. A plan was developed to sell some of the works to raise money for the repairs and upkeep, and a plan was developed to send some of the paintings on a world tour.
Finally a plan was developed to move the paintings to a new location in Philadelphia in 2012. This triggered a backlash of opposition to breaking the will and moving the paintings.
This documentary has it’s bias, but tries to show both sides of the discussion and the problems with leaving the paintings where they are, and moving them to a new location. No matter which way it goes, some people will be upset.
This is not a fast past or extremely suspenseful film, but it is a good study of the legal challenges and the backlash against both sides. It’s available in HD, which makes it a great watch on your PC should you go the Watch Instantly route, as I did, but I’m sure this is occasionally show on the Sundance channel, and through other venues. It’s not a mainstream film by any means, but if you enjoy fine art, or like documentaries, this is a prety interesting film. Not as earth shattering as some, but an interesting story just the same.
