WILLIAM GAY CARVING COLLECTION

A significant collection of small painted carvings by William Gay. He was "indentured" by his own father as a farm labourer. William would put aside potatoes, sneak out to the local market and sell them to get materials with which to carve and paint. These carvings and the associated story came directly from the Gay family, Belleville, Ontario. Carvings made mid 20th C. The small pieces suggest that William planned to hide the pieces from his father so he needn't have to explain where he got the cash to buy his art supplies.

A collection including a couple in formal attire, 8.25"H, a cow tethered to a post, inscribed "W.G. 1948" 6"L, a moose with painted eyes 7.5"L x 6.5"H, a deer 3.75"L, a black and white cow with glass eyes, 4.75"L, 4 collies, 4.5"L, 3 hounds, 5"L (one with missing leg and ear), 3 other dogs, 3"L, horse with broken ear, metal eyes, 4"L, standing bear, 4"H, black bear and polar bear 4"L, mallards, geese, chickens, 3.5"-1.25", goat 1.5"L.