Albert De Rome Painting
The Morro Bay Friends of the Library would like to take this time to acquaint you with a rare opportunity. In 2004 the late Mrs. Ellen Franks passed away at age 91. Through her friend and library supporter, Beth Cook, she bequeathed her painting of Morro Bay's old waterfront by Albert De Rome.
Albert De Rome was born in Cayucos in 1885 and is considered an Early California Artist. He is best known for his colorful, small-scale impressions in oil of the Monterey Peninsula. He studied art in San Francisco at the California School of Design in 1904. He supported himself in various jobs as a commercial artist from 1908 to 1914. In 1915 he became a sales manager and agent for a candy manufacturer, and, during his travels in the West, he would also use the trips to paint. He enjoyed traveling around the countryside in one of the many automobiles he owned over the years. Unfortunately, in 1931 he was severely injured in a car accident, which left him partially paralyzed on the left side and with a speech impediment. He never drove again and, thereafter, relied on family and friends to take him to painting locations. The accident also ended his career in business. The conditions of his insurance stipend dictated that he no longer sell his paintings nor exhibit as a professional artist.
He began his recuperation in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula, and was unable to resist painting the rustic charm of the coastal area. De Rome became a member of the Carmel Art Association and continued to exhibit his work locally as an amateur and won various prestigious awards despite the restrictions. Many of De Rome's most notable works were produced during this significant period of his artistic development. He often traded his work for goods and services and was also noted for giving his paintings away to family and friends since he was not allowed to sell any of his work.
A large cache of De Rome paintings was destroyed in the 1991 Oakland fire, making remaining De Rome paintings quite rare. The Redfern Gallery in Laguna Beach, the Montgomery Gallery in San Francisco, the Trotter Galleries and the James Rieser Fine Art Galleries, both in Carmel, were all contacted regarding the De Rome painting owned by the library. They all indicated that the painting, during a normal economy, should fetch between $18,000 and $25,000 at a professional art auction. The painting is oil on canvas laid down on Masonite. It is 14”x18” circa 1930's and the subject is of the old Morro Bay waterfront with Morro Rock in the background.
We consider this a valuable local treasure since De Rome was born in Cayucos and we have not been able to find Morro Bay as one of his subjects. Though our research is by no means complete, no paintings of Morro Bay were found in the catalog of his work or at other galleries. We believe that this painting will only appreciate in value as the years go by.
The Morro Bay Friends of the Library is in the midst of funding the entire remodel of the library building. The project may cost as high as $300,000 and the Friends must still provide continued support after it is re-opened. Your help in purchasing this rare piece of local history would be a great investment, not only for you, but also for your community. Please contact Ric Deschler at 772-9244 to arrange for a viewing of the painting and to discuss your offer of support.
