Bob Ames - Guest Columnist - The Art of Gordon Crosby
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For decades Robert Ames has been seen annually at Hershey, Beaulieu, Retromobile, Monterey Week and Goodwood Revival. He has authored & published books on mascots and tether cars. He has collections of those, plus rare license plates and early brass & multi-cylinder model engines. His real passion is original automotive illustration art.
Commissioning a painting from Peter Helck forty plus years ago was the catalyst. He has two dozen of Helck’s paintings along with many more by his contemporaries. Wall space? Not so much! Early racing trophies are another interest... and always books, with Logan Gray on his speed dial! [email protected] |
Some of Bob's Articles:
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The Art of Gordon Crosby
Issue #12 Sept/Oct 2020 Peter Helck is deservedly the doyen of American automotive artists and his work illustrating our racing history is particularly revered. But what of his English counterpart, Frederick Gordon Crosby? Helck and Crosby were for many years, contemporaries and admirers of each other’s work. Indeed, upon hearing of Crosby’s passing in 1943 Helck wrote the English artist’s employer, The Autocar, to say that in their sphere Crosby “was the greatest artist that had ever been”. Certainly, praise to be considered seriously. It is important however, particularly in terms of availability and value, to differentiate between these two greats. Pictured Left: Crosby was a master caricaturist. If ever any of these were to come to market I’d say $10-15,000. Unless it is of someone much remembered, then more. If one of those hung over the RAC clubhouse urinals… it’s stolen. |