The exhibition of reclusive surrealist master, Henry Orlik entitled ‘Cosmos of Dreams’, currently showing at Marlborough’s ‘The Little Gallery’ is being extended due to unprecedented interest until Tuesday 17 September. This is the second part of the exhibition – the first was in London’s West End ‘Maas Gallery’, and the proceeds of the sales will go towards Henry’s care. To transform his life, when he is in greatest need. Much of the work on show has already been sold, some even before the doors opened such was the recognition of Henry Orlik’s standing as a master of surrealism.
To quote Grant Ford, of Winsor Birch owners of The Little Gallery’: “This is great for the cultural element of Marlborough and The Parade. Hundreds of people have travelled to Marlborough to see this show at the Little Gallery in the Parade. We have seen extraordinary journeys from places such as North Yorkshire, Scotland, Germany, and Spain, as well as dozens of visitors from Marlborough and the surrounding area.”
In 1974 Henry Orlik’s works were the focus of a one-man show at London’s Acoris Surrealist Art Centre, and also exhibited there alongside surrealist masters such as René Magritte, Giorgio de Chirico, Francis Picabia and Salvador Dalí.
But a few years after his one-man show and his showing at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Henry Orlik ‘disappeared’. He left the public gaze, withdrawing to become ‘a painter’. Continuing to paint his pictures that remained unseen and unrecognised. Why? He became cynical about the greed of dealers so he left the commercial world. He lived as a painter, supported by his mother, but still creating many new works.
Then two years ago Henry Orlik suffered a stroke. Whilst in hospital his flat was taken away. The Housing Association evicted him and more than two hundred of his paintings disappeared. To where? How? No idea, but likely thrown away as in the case of many ‘house clearances’ what appears to be ‘rubbish’ to the clearers is treated as just that. And Henry’s works were unmounted and unframed, just rolled up and lying around so went with the rest of what was cleared out. Supposition, yes, but to the Housing Association involved and those acting on their behalf, Henry Orlik wasn’t anyone of note, just another ex-tenant being evicted.
The stroke deprived Henry of use of hand to paint and the proceeds of the sales of works at the exhibition(s) will ensure the necessary support for the now frail 77 year old Henry Orlik going foward.
Grant Ford, Marlborough-based and a regular on-screen presence in BBC’s Antiques Roadshow noted that “Henry Orlik’s ‘Cosmos of Dreams Part 2’ is probably the most significant museum-quality fine art exhibition to ever come to Marlborough, and the time extension for this exhibition gives everyone a chance to see something truly outstanding. We will be open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday). This show is poignant regarding great surrealist art and the 100-year mark of birth. Significant shows at Dulwich Art Gallery and, of course, in Paris at Pompidou Centre. This is an extraordinary and critical time for such works, and global interest is at an all-time high.”
An update on Henry:
He is frail but overjoyed with the positive response to his work from all the visitors. He cannot believe that all his paintings in the London selling show sold before the door opened on the first day. Grant Ford notes that they have tried to get him to visit and see the show in Marlborough (he lives locally), but his response is always “I am too frail”.
What happened to the paintings that disappeared when he was evicted? The investigation into the missing pictures (over 200) continues, and Police and others are working to establish exactly what did happen.
For Henry, the commercial angle is not of great interest to him, although his eyes light up knowing his creations on canvas and paper have been looked at and appreciated by so many visitors. His greatest wish is to have the missing works return home as it represents a substantial proportion of his life. He dedicated most of his time to his Art. He has no children and did not marry.
Next: A catalogue raisonne for all of Henry’s life work is being prepared and possibly the creation of a TV documentary about his extraordinary life. Overall, the momentum of interest is building and building for this brilliant reclusive artist and his mind boggling work. Grant added one final thought: “I personally think he should be considered up there with all the great and famous artistic names!”
Treasurer – Board of Trustees, St Peter’s
