Albright College to Auction Art Collection Amid Financial Struggles
READING — Albright College is set to auction most of its extensive art collection this July as it seeks to address a significant financial deficit. The auction raises questions about the collection’s contents and local significance, particularly as administrators and auctioneers have not provided an estimated value for the 2,008 pieces, mostly works on paper.
The college’s management, including Vice President James Gaddy, has acknowledged that the artwork has not been properly maintained, resulting in some damage, though the extent remains undisclosed. The collection, housed in the Freedman Gallery, was founded by alum Doris C. Freedman in 1976 and features contemporary American art from notable artists like Salvador Dali and Nancy Grossman.
Scheduled for July 14 and 15, an in-person exhibition will precede an online auction beginning July 16, hosted by Pook & Pook auctioneers. Despite extensive discussions, specific details about which artworks may be acquired by the Reading Public Museum remain unclear, as directives from Albright state that some pieces will not be sold due to donor restrictions and artistic significance.
Albright’s decision to auction its collection has sparked concern within the local art community. Critics, including former Visual Arts Committee Chair Jaap van Liere, argue that the financial return is unlikely to justify the sale, emphasizing the value of art in enriching students’ educational experiences.
While the college faces a $20 million deficit and has implemented various budget cuts, including staff reductions, it assures stakeholders there are no imminent plans for closure. Gaddy reiterated that the auction is aimed not at profit but ensuring that the artwork is properly preserved and appreciated elsewhere. The college acknowledges a pressing need for improved communication with donors, particularly the Freedman family, who reportedly were not consulted regarding the collection’s sale—raising further concerns over the institution’s transparency.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
