Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2020
A vision to behold for any Toronto Maple Leafs fan, this large multimedia artwork features multiple aspects of the team’s history. Once assembled and hung, marvel at renderings of the greats and ghosts of the past, collectible treasures, and the greatest moments for the club since 1927. This stunning oil painting is on a large canvas measuring approximately 60” x 72” and features accents that give a 3-D pop such as pucks, gloves, hockey sticks, and a mask to go along with parts of a net. Note that there is a cut in the canvas above one of the depicted Stanley Cup rings. Artist Murray Henderson has signed the canvas at the bottom in white. A framed print of this work is also included (26" x 29"). Among the Leafs legends featured in this artwork are Charlie Conacher, Turk Broda, George Armstrong, Tim Horton, Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, Darryl Sittler, Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, and Mats Sundin. At the top, look for ghostly visages of Conn Smythe and Bill Barilko. Please take note that due to the size of the offered display, special shipping arrangements will be required.
He explained his enduring love for the Maple Leafs, which is evident throughout this piece; “I am, and have always been, a Leaf fan - even through all the horrible years,” he said. “The Leafs painting was a way of looking at the history of the team, not through the eyes of a painter, but through the eyes of the painting. It was about looking at the Leafs team, its great past and present players. Great moments throughout; Sittler’s 10-point night, Bill Barilko's ghostlike celebration, Bobby Baun sipping on champagne with a broken leg, the 1993 Clark and McSorley fight. Hidden in the painting when you study it is Maple Leaf Gardens, Foster Hewitt and many other little historical facts.” He also went on to discuss why pieces of equipment were included in the making of this artwork. “The equipment was actually my way of showing a fine vintage. The capturing of it was a reference to the history of a storied and even sometimes frustrating organization and its great players and moments. That’s what happens to artists; you’re always thinking about what would make an interesting painting. I think a way to describe it best... a sense of awkward grace.” We should note that a few of the items are currently detached from the display including a hockey stick along the base, a single glove on the left side and a blocker and glove combo that sits over the upper right. Each goal post used for the side borders can be removed, with the main canvas body attached to the top post.
Murray was born in Toronto in 1968. He began displaying artistic abilities at a very young age. When he was in grade one, Murray was assessed at a grade eight level for artistic ability. In grade Four he entered the art competition at the CNE and received first prize. By grade six he designed the school logo for his school, which still appears on that school's crest today. Murray later moved to Calgary Alberta and while in high school, he produced and marketed a limited-edition print of John Lennon, which he sold worldwide. As a self-taught artist, Murray has enjoyed exceptional success with his wildlife paintings, generating millions of dollars for such charities as Ducks Unlimited, and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Childhood Cancer Foundation Canada, and Sick Kids Hospital Toronto, Murray now finds his work leaning towards personal interest pieces, mostly with a hockey theme. He did a print to help generate funds for the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer charity and another with the Detroit Red Wings "Grind Line" with many more hockey themed paintings in the works including one with Wayne Gretzky. Among his many exceptional artistic skills are his ability to capture facial expressions in his character pieces. Rich in detail, his paintings have a compelling draw. Murray's work is featured in private and corporate collections in Canada, the U.S., Scotland, England, Ireland, Sweden, South Africa and Australia. Many prominent NHL personnel own Murray's art.
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