This Week at the Shop we had the pleasure of working on an original William R. Christoper abstract painting. William Christopher was a teacher at Dartmouth College, a civil rights activist, and an artist known for abstract imagery and collage. He and his longtime partner, artist George Tooker, lived in New York City until moving to Hartland, Vermont in 1960; they spent winters in Spain, until Christopher’s death there in 1973. Although Christopher had lived in the North most of his life, the civil-rights events of the South moved him. He participated in the 1965 civil rights demonstrations in the march from Selma to Montgomery, AL, and was inspired by the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King. Eventually, Christophers’ painting, “Dark Mirror” (location unknown), was chosen by King for display in his office at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta. It was the last of six paintings by Christopher that were inspired by the words of Dr. King. Our featured painting is a 60-inch, Christopher original, mixed media abstract of a different genre. Completed with beautifully rich colors, it was placed within a modern, multi-frame design in gold to complement the deep blues and golds in the artwork, set off by a single, classic soft white mat. Specially cleaned and treated against mildew, all was fitted within 100% acid-free archival materials to prevent yellowing, and secured behind UV-Plexiglass to prevent light damage and condensation. This will add many years of enjoyment for its owner. Thank you!