Thursday, February 1, 2018

Full Color Duff Tweed Illustrations - A Real Treat

Hello Duff Tweed collectors and those who just appreciate his work!

I am so overdue to post this and several additional super cool Duffy finds.  Feels like I worked a 60 hour week in 4 days, but I couldn't let you down any longer.  Several Facebook friends have been pushing for this, so here it is...just for you.


Back in early October 2017, I came across four very unique illustrations all done by our good friend Duff Tweed.  Funny to say that, as we never met, but through his art I feel an affinity to him.  For the past couple of years, I've only been acquiring art by Duff that I do not already own.  I pass on many pieces come across to a fellow collector friend in Simi Valley, CA.  He has been collecting longer than I, so I like to help him build up his collection as well.  When I started collecting Mr. Tweed's work, I literally bought everything that became available.  Fast forward to today; I simply cannot do that any longer.  No time, money is tight (for almost everyone) and putting a child through school and college drains the purse strings.  No, I don't carry around a purse. :-)

When I came upon these four unique illustrations in color and not Duff's typical pencil drawings, I'll admit I went Duffy crazy!  The gentleman (Max) I picked these up from had them as a result of losing his brother.  So the acquisition was bittersweet.  Something many of you do not know is I am also a hands on energy healer and a medium.  So upon learning of Max's loss, I offered to share my gifts in the hopes of alleviating some of his pain, but coming from a stranger I think the offer was too much and possibly out of left field. Max however was very kind throughout the process.

Below is our exchange:

My note on Ebay to Max:  
I'm interested in the four illustrations you have by Duff Tweed. I own a few already with several carvings by Duff. I'm making an offer of $X each, but will purchase all 4 for $X total. I've been buying his carvings and illustrations for years. I collect for the pure love of his wood carvings. Thought these would be nice to add to the collection. I will wait to receive your reply.

Max replied quite quickly: 
I will accept your offer. I'd rather they go as a lot and to someone who has an affinity for Duff. You see these belonged to my brother and he loved them so I think he'd rather they stay together than get broken up individually. What I will do is create a new listing for all four for $X and I thank you for your business and also for taking the time to write what you did; it made it easy for me to pass them along to someone who will appreciate them.

All the best,
Max
  


As you can see, parting with them was like parting with a piece of his brother, so I'm sending a huge shout out and thank you to Max!  Thank you Max, a part of your brother now lives with me!

Apparently Duff created these pieces back in the 1940's, way before I was born. As you will see in the captions, each picture was of a famous person.  Remember, Duff was from Canada so these are personalities from our northern neighbors. 

Without any more fanfare, I present to you Duff Tweed's four full color illustrations...
John W. Defoe - Editor - Winnipeg Free Press

Louis- Alexandre Taschereau - 14th Premier of Quebec

Sir Charles Gordon

Sir William Mulock - Lt. Governor Ontario
I'm not going to put my two cents in for each illustration.  I simply love them and think they're super cool.  Duff, where ever you are in this great universe; we all thank you for your dedication, artistic flare and sense of humor!

Folks, I have two more owners of Duff's carvings to share with you but saving them for a future post. Alright, let's get real, they're from last year and I need to get my lazy butt to write them too. LOL

Wishing you each love in your hearts, food in your bellies and ease in your lives!

All the best!

Joe