Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2020
A one-of-one masterpiece here is the work of renowned artist Michel Lapensée, for 35 years linked to the Montreal Canadiens for whom he has produced numerous memorable works. Montreal Alouettes’ placekicker George Springate is depicted booting one through the uprights against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, with Larry Fairholm the familiar holder and Ti-Cat Mark Lamb in flight, attempting to block the kick. Interestingly, it was Hamilton who drafted Springate in 1968 after seeing “the kicking cop” perform for the McGill Redmen. George wasn’t interested in Hamilton and in 1970 made his pro debut with the Alouettes as a 32-year old rookie. An original 8” by 10” (Tedd Church) photograph of the image that aided Lapensée will be included, along with an LOA from the Springate family – fantastique!
The massive painting is close to three feet (33”) by just under five feet (59”) and hung for decades in the Springate home after being commissioned in 1987. It is framed to to the dimensions in our title, is in immaculate condition and awaits its new appreciative home – a fascinating head-turner it will be on your special wall. **Please note that due to the painting’s size, special shipping arrangements may be required, with local pick-up an option.
The George Springate Collection
Classic Auctions is pleased to offer the personal collection of George Springate. A native Montrealer, George had an amazingly diverse and storied life. Long-time Montreal Alouettes fans know him as the placekicker for the 1970 Grey-Cup-winning Als, while also serving as a Quebec MNA; others for his police, education and political careers.
A unique Canadian, George made impressive contributions to his community, province and country throughout his life, for which he received the Order of Canada among many other honours. A superb fundraiser, he raised millions of dollars for Canadian youth, as well as other charities. Of particular interest to sports enthusiasts/collectors is his more than 50 years of organizing charity events, most particularly the dozens of celebrity skate-a-thons and Oldtimers hockey games that produced scarce and sought-after souvenirs, many featured in this auction.
While a Montreal police officer, George acquired two law degrees and played football at McGill University, was a radio and television personality, and a law professor for 33 years, co-founding the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College. Later in life, he served as a Canadian citizenship judge for 14 years, the last five as Canada’s Senior Judge. Following his death in November 2019, a House of Commons tribute stated, in part: "George was larger than life. He was a friend to all. He touched our lives by his friendship and his philanthropic work, which benefitted so many wonderful causes and organizations." Indeed, what a life!
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