04/07/2014

Van Gogh Painting Goes On Display In Reading Cafe

The Vincent van Gogh Houses at Auvers II painting was displayed in the Picnic Cafe in Reading for about an hour today to launch the Open for Art weekend festival.

The painting's owner Markus Lawrence said that in June 1890, shortly before his death, Van Gogh said he wanted to see his work hung in a cafe, but that to his knowledge this was the artist's 124-year-old wish had been fulfilled.

The 27-year-old director of the Reading Gallery inherited it from his grandfather, along with 200 other paintings, on the condition he would not sell them. He is looking for a permanent home for his collection.

Mr Lawrence, who said he "loves opening the pieces to the public, people deserve to see them", explained he felt "a huge amount of pride" for Van Gogh because he knew of the Dutch artist's wishes before he died.

The oil on canvas' painting was created in the last year of Van Gogh's life.

Mr Lawrence's family collection included paintings of Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, Cezanne, Henry Moore and Dali.

(CVS/IT)

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