Has it come to this? Vandalism against property of Friends of the Barnes Foundation members?
That’s what artist Nancy Herman is reporting today. For years, she and her husband Walter have planted large signs opposing the move to downtown Philadelphia on their property on Latches Lane, where the Barnes is located.
Last night, someone defaced the newest sign, which was on a fence, with red paint. It showed Dr. Albert C. Barnes, surrounded by many artists whose work he collected, and read: “Why spend hundreds of millions on a faux Barnes when we have the original?” Another sign, on their lawn, which read “Join the Fight to Save the Barnes” had been torn away and thrown over the fence of the Barnes Foundation, which is directly across the street, Herman says.
Friends’ members are calling it an act of intimidation — which is possible, though not the only possibility. It might simply be vandalism. However, it is curious that just this week, state politicians gave opponents of the move a glimmer of hope, saying that they may not approve a $1 billion bond issue that included funding for the move. Friends also note that the Barnes Society was having its annual holiday party in the galleries this afternoon.
The Hermans attached temporary signs to the defaced poster saying “The Barnes Belongs In Merion” and “Join The Fight To Save The Barnes.”
I sure hope the fight isn’t getting physical, and it’s sad that I have to even express that.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Friends of the Barnes Foundation