Glasford Hunter's Lost Artwork

Glasford Hunter has been coming to our digital drop-ins for over two years. During that time he has entertained us with his stories of his life as an artist and musician. However,  there was one story that did not have a satisfactory ending.

In the 1990s Glasford was a student of Slade Art School. Through them he joined Network Arts Lewisham, where he did a show. One of his paintings was of Martin Luther King. The painting was bought by Lewisham Council. Glasford did not see the painting again for a long time. Then, 10 years ago, a friend of his saw it in the Council Civic Suite in Catford. However, the painting was not attributed to him. Glasford had not always put his signature on paintings, in part due to his dyslexia. Glasford wanted acknowledgement of the painting, but didn't know how to get it.

After Glasford had been coming to our clubs for a while, he mentioned the issue to us. We weren't sure how to establish ownership of the painting, but we helped Glasford send an email. We didn't hear anything back. However Councillor John Paschoud, who is a buddy at our clubs, heard Glasford's story. He knew the painting, and he knew who to speak to. It turned out the person had been emailing Glasford. However, Glasford had not seen the emails.

Councillor Jacques Paschoud, Nanssi (Catbytes), Glasford, Damian (Catbytes)

On 18th September, the council did an official unveiling of a new plaque, beneath the painting, which fully acknowledges him as the artist. The ceremony was officiated by Speaker Councillor Jacques Paschoud.

Glasford says he was inspired to create the painting of Martin Luther King by the memory of his Grandmother. She was a nurse in Jamaica, and of the same denomination of Baptists as Martin Luther King. Glasford believes that his grandmother shared the qualities of dedication and dignity that Martin Luther King embodies.