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Warhol author, Patrick Smith, supports the Warhola family's claim that the alleged Warhol sketch of Rudy Vallée is not by Andy Warhol
by Gary Comenas (2012)

Patrick Smith, the author of Warhol: Conversations about the Artist and Andy Warhol's Art and Films has denied that the alleged childhood sketch by Warhol of Rudy Vallée is by Warhol. The sketch is due to be exhibited at the RWA in Bristol in July. The original press release for the event can be found here.

Smith's books are considered the 'bibles' of Warhol research. They are cited extensively in the Warhol Foundation's catalogue raisonné, Warhol biographies and scholarly books about the artist.

Patrick Smith:

"I have been studying the work of Andy Warhol since 1978 when I started my dissertation on him, leading to my two books about his art and films. For many years now, I have been using the archives of the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh for a third book, based on my findings there. During all of this time, I have never seen any early drawing by Warhol that even remotely looks like the supposed "Warhol" sketch of Vallee, nor have I ever seen an early authentic signature that even remotely appears like the one on the sketch. I fully support Paul Warhola, who should know more than any living person today, that the Vallee sketch is NOT by his brother. I hope that this obvious FAKE be withdrawn soon from public view and that it never be exhibited as being by Warhol."

Warholstars link

1. RWA Bristol: "The work has not been officially authenticated and the RWA do not support any claims of authentication by the owner."

2. Statement from Andy Warhol's brother, Paul Warhola

3. Gertrude Stein expert confirms that alleged Stein sketch is not by Gertrude Stein

4. Statement from Warhol expert denying that the Rudy Vallée sketch is by Andy Warhol

5. Questions for the RWA Bristol

6. Rudy Vallée sketch to be exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy as an authentic Warhol

7. $3 jumble sale sketch is £1.3 million Warhol - or is it?

8. The President of the RWA asks if Andy Warhol sketch is "authentic or a hoax"

External Links

1. ITV Bristol (Scroll down for video of broadcast)

2. Atlantic Wire

3. Art Info

4. BBC Magazine

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