Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

The Soap Opera at Canada's National Gallery

January 3, 2009 by Marion Maneker

David FranklinOver the holiday, the New York Times ran a story covering the high drama at Canada’s National Gallery as the Deputy Director jockeyed for position to succeed his boss:

Now as Pierre Théberge prepares to end his 11-year tenure as the director of the National Gallery, Canada’s wealthiest art institution, the museum is immersed in a controversy that has more in common with television comedies like “The Office” than debates about expenditures on paintings.

The chain of events has included the dismissal of David Franklin, the gallery’s deputy director and curator; the filing of a lawsuit by Dr. Franklin and his subsequent rehiring; the release of a series of unusually vitriolic internal e-mail messages; court filings that discuss the gallery’s “toxic” working atmosphere; and finally the appointment of a new director who takes over next month.

Throughout the conflict Mr. Théberge, 66, who was once mainly seen by the public as an eccentric who brought his terriers to work, has faced allegations from Dr. Franklin, 47, that he is “medically unfit” for his job.

“This has been a disgrace,” said René Blouin, a leading art dealer in Montreal, adding, “It’s very damaging for museums of that caliber when there is not pride at the top.”

National Gallery of Canada Looks Beyond Controversy and Court (The New York Times)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • African-American Art @ SwannAfrican-American Art @ Swann
  • Private Sales Still Rising at Sotheby'sPrivate Sales Still Rising at Sotheby's
  • German Federal Officials  Express Frustration Over Munich HoardGerman Federal Officials Express Frustration Over Munich Hoard
  • Art Review's Power 100 ListArt Review's Power 100 List
  • Merkin's FallMerkin's Fall
  • What Makes Contemporary Art Jump?What Makes Contemporary Art Jump?

Filed Under: Museums

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...