October 19th 2024.
The stunning sculpture of Sir John Gordon, created by renowned French artist Edme Bouchardon in 1728, has quite a remarkable story. It was originally purchased by Invergordon Town Council for a mere £5 in 1930. However, it seemed to have disappeared during a local government reorganization and was thought to be lost forever. That is, until it was surprisingly discovered in 1998, being used as a doorstop for a shed in Balintore, near Invergordon.
Now, after years of being hidden away, the valuable marble bust is finally being brought to light. It has been appraised at a staggering £2.5 million and the prestigious auction house, Sotheby's, has already received a bid for that amount. This unexpected turn of events has sparked discussions among the Highland Council, who has a role in caring for the artwork. They have determined that selling the sculpture would greatly benefit the Invergordon Common Good Fund, providing much-needed funds for projects in the town and surrounding area.
The first court hearing is scheduled for November 7th and the decision to sell has been supported by fifty councillors, with only four seeking more time for public consultation and ten abstaining from the vote. Councillor Maxine Smith believes that the interest generated from the sale could potentially bring in £125,000 annually, greatly benefiting the community. As part of the plan, a museum-quality replica will be commissioned for display in the Highlands, ensuring that the legacy of Sir John Gordon lives on.
Chairwoman of the Black Isle and Easter Ross area committee, Lyndsey Johnston, expressed her enthusiasm for the potential sale, stating that any proceeds received would provide a valuable source of ongoing income for the community. She also believes that the replica bust will allow both locals and visitors to appreciate the history and significance of the original sculpture for years to come.
Sir John Gordon, a member of Parliament whose family owned land in Easter Ross and gave their name to the town of Invergordon, holds a special place in both local and national history. Bouchardon, the talented artist behind the sculpture, was known for his work in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons in Paris. It's no wonder that the bust has been appraised at such a high value, as it holds great cultural and artistic significance.
Despite being in the possession of the Highland Council for over 60 years, the ownership of the bust was only confirmed in 2019 through the minutes of Invergordon Town Council. It was created during the early 18th century, while Bouchardon was living in Rome and Sir John was on his Grand Tour. In fact, the bust was even exhibited at The Louvre in Paris and the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles in 2016.
The council's report on the sale stated that the bust has not been able to be displayed to the public due to security concerns, given its high value. However, with the current offer from Sotheby's being deemed as the peak of the market, it seems to be the perfect time to part with the sculpture. Its sale will not only benefit the community, but also bring attention to the remarkable story of this valuable piece of art.
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