Cherished Possession: Howard Morgan and Leadbelly's Unwaivered Belonging
In the heart of London's St James's, or perhaps in the tranquil Wiltshire countryside at her studio gallery in Ham, hangs a captivating portrait that continues to draw the attention of art enthusiasts. This is the Lead Belly portrait, a dynamic and vibrant piece painted by the enigmatic art dealer, Howard Morgan.
Sara Stewart, the founder and managing director of Fine Art Commissions, has a special affinity for this portrait. Despite numerous requests to sell it, Stewart has chosen to keep it close, immersed in the beauty and energy that the painting exudes.
The Lead Belly portrait is characterised by vigorous brushstrokes, a strong shadow suggesting a smoky room, and a generous use of red. It is a testament to Morgan's artistic skill, and yet, it was not created from life. Lead Belly, the blues singer whose portrait now graces Stewart's walls, passed away before Morgan was born.
Howard Morgan, a man known for his unpredictable nature, had a fondness for Lead Belly, a man with a controversial past. Morgan's fascination with the singer may have been a draw, as Lead Belly's life story is as dynamic as the portrait itself. Sentenced to 20 years for murder in 1918, Lead Belly was later pardoned and became a free man in 1925.
Sara Stewart did not purchase the Lead Belly portrait directly from Morgan, but acquired it at an auction in France. Her fondness for the portrait is influenced by her history with Morgan, an art dealer whose unpredictable nature was as much a part of the art world as his sublime Golden Gate Quartet painting.
Carla Passino, the Arts & Antiques editor for the platform, shares Stewart's appreciation for the Lead Belly portrait. Passino, who joined the platform in 2023, has a background in freelance journalism, covering heritage, conservation, history, and property stories. Interestingly, Passino prefers the English weather to her native country's sunshine, much like the Lead Belly portrait prefers Stewart's gallery over any other.
However, there is a question surrounding Howard Morgan's status as an artist. Sources do not clearly document him as an artist known for painting portraits of multiple queens and Lead Belly. It is possible that Morgan is a lesser-known or emerging artist outside major databases, or that the name or details might be confused with another artist. Without further evidence, a comprehensive profile of Howard Morgan cannot be given.
Despite this uncertainty, the Lead Belly portrait stands as a testament to the enigmatic Howard Morgan and the energy he brought to the art world. It is a piece that captures the imagination, a portrait that Sara Stewart finds herself lost in, reminiscing about frustrating times dealing with Morgan's financial struggles, but also shared laughter and the unique spirit that Howard Morgan brought to the art world.
The Lead Belly portrait, with its vibrant brushstrokes and intriguing depiction of a controversial figure, serves as a compelling example of the unpredictable and captivating entertainment that art enthusiasts can find in galleries. Sara Stewart’s fondness for the portrait, acquired at an auction, is not only influenced by its artistic merit, but also by her history with the enigmatic artist Howard Morgan, whose life and work in music and art continues to intrigue and inspire.
