I’ve had this original Adolph Heinze for about 25 years. This had belonged to a former boss, Gayle Johnson, and it had been hanging in our office long before I even came to work with him. Back then we all smoked in the office (no open windows, no ventilation system to speak of) and this picture was exposed to all that smoke. Years and years of smoke.

Upon Gayle’s death I was given the artwork by his son, who came to pack up personal belongings. Up to now I’ve always looked at it as “nice” picture. It wasn’t a subject matter that I would hang in my livingroom, but because I thought so much of Gayle, I loved having it as it evoked many wonderful memories of our time together.

So imagine how surprised I was to find out that this artist is quite sought after in the art world and some of his work is very valuable. I haven’t been able to find out any information on this specific work.

I’ll never sell it though. Except for this, I have nothing else to remind me of Gayle. We worked together so long ago and my memories are fading. When I look at this, they all come back….