and his prized possessions
Photography by Katherine Bish
“I used to collect folk art,” explains William Shearburn, “but I sold my collection to start the gallery.” That would be the William Shearburn Gallery in the Central West End, which he runs in tandem with his wife, Julie (pictured above). In both home and gallery, the couple mixes famous artists (Chuck Close) with young, edgy ones (David Kramer). Though they love all their art, they do have their favorites.
1. Chuck Close portrait of artist James Siena.
2 & 3. James Siena pencil drawing and Sue Eisely collage made from the program from her first showing at Shearburn Gallery 12 years ago.
4. Poster for Cy Twombly’s Paris show, October 8, 1980, autographed at the top, “To William.”
5. Blues on vinyl (and turntable to match): Muddy Waters, Son Seals, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and Memphis Slim.
6. Three pieces from an anonymous artist known as “The Philadelphia Wire Man.” They can be dated by the materials—including election buttons, plastic straws and bits of newspaper—wound inside the wire.
7. Self-portrait by Howard Finster.
