UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. -- ROGUES' GALLERY: WHEN RICH PEOPLE SPEND GOOD MONEY ON BAD ART at Glen Foerd -- 5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Since time immemorial, new money has chased after old art to buy its way into high society, usually without asking too many questions. In “Rogues’ Gallery: When Rich People Spend Good Money on Bad Art,” Thomas Keels traces the intertwined history of art forgery and social striving, with an emphasis on Philadelphia collectors P.A.B. Widener, John G. Johnson, and the Foerderer family, all of whom spent fortunes on fake art but then found redemption by building magnificent collections. This evening lecture at beautiful Glen Foerd on the Delaware will include a tour of the art gallery and a closer look at some of the more memorable works there, both fake and genuine. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Sunday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. -- ROGUES' GALLERY: WHEN RICH PEOPLE SPEND GOOD MONEY ON BAD ART at the Flourtown Country Club for the Springfield Township Historical Society -- 150 McCloskey Road, Flourtown PA 19031
Since time immemorial, new money has chased after old art to buy its way into high society, usually without asking too many questions. In “Rogues’ Gallery: When Rich People Spend Good Money on Bad Art,” Thomas Keels traces the intertwined history of art forgery and social striving, with an emphasis on Philadelphia collectors P.A.B. Widener, John G. Johnson, and Edward T. Stotesbury. Keels will also discuss how during World War II, Whitemarsh Hall, the former Stotesbury estate, was leased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a warehouse and laboratory for thousands of its rarest works of art. Admission is free with light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information or to register, click here.
Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. -- SINNERS AND SCANDALS: THE SEAMY SIDE OF LAUREL HILL at Laurel Hill Cemetery East -- 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19132
Laurel Hill East has brave military heroes, uplifting reformers, and selfless philanthropists. But what about the less-than-pure spirits? The South Philly gangster who got whacked when he tried to infiltrate the Schuylkill County numbers racket? The female grifter who conned New York City and then sipped strychnine while a dozen bill collectors tried to batter down her door? The Civil War general besmirched as “a slayer of innocence and a robber of chastity”? (No, it’s not George Gordon Meade.) The final resting places of these troubled souls show Laurel Hill East’s scandalous, sinful, and sordid side. For more information or to register, click here.
Saturday, October 26 at 1 p.m. -- HOT SPOTS AND STORIED PLOTS at Laurel Hill Cemetery East -- 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19132
In life and death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This introductory tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill East’s long history, which includes many marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its WOW factor. Let me offer you my unique perspective on Laurel Hill's beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history. For more information or to register, click here.
For information on talks, fees, references, etc., please contact Tom via the Contact page on this site or email him at mailto:thkeels@gmail.com.