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Ad Code: 4
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An example of work by Guy M. Welch
Artwork images are copyright of the artist or assignee
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Biography from AskART:
| The following is from Marnie Miller, who has letters from the artist in the 1940s written to the owner of the Empire Hotel in Calgary, his first commission.
Of Welch, Miller writes that Guy M Welch was "a kind of Michelangelo of the Western Saloon. Known to be a very generous, kind and gentle man. He gave away as much art as he sold, all people had to do was like and want a piece and it was theirs. So I suppose there is a lot more of this man's work out there, it would be fun to get some info out there and have it surface."
"I have an antique store and deal in cowboy collectibles, but not art per say. I have come across some very fun letters sent by Guy Welch to a friend. They are on newspaper, and that size, with his art work on the front and the bulk of the letter on the back. Trying to value them, I have done some research into this man and it is fun and interesting. I will share with you what I have found out, and maybe you could have a biography for this character. The famous Charlie Russell sent similar letters, and I guess the two of them worked together in Banff Canada in the 1920's. I did run across one reference that Guy Welch had some teaching by Charlie Russell but can't confirm. Their styles and content are similar."
"Guy Welch above all else was a muralist of western scenes that he would paint in hotel bars and other businesses. He began his career in Calgary in 1926 just after the end of the Canadian Prohibition when he painted every surface in the Empire Hotel. Then he headed for Hollywood but couldn't find work due to the Depression and American prohibition. He then went to Mexico and worked along the border from California to Texas painting murals. At the end of the American prohibition, he was able to find work in California and had a notable mural in Elko Nevada, Famous Spur Makers."
"Almost all this work is lost to fire, remodelling, demolition etc, but some large canvasses remain. In fact, one was found covering a haystack on an Alberta farm and was rescued and restored. The "Desert Room" at Morongo Valley (Adobe landmark) is still adorned with his artwork. Some of the titles are: 'Last of the Thundering Herd', and 'California or Bust'. "
"There is reference by his daughter as to who had some art work in the 40's. She mentions: Governor James Ralph Jr. 1934, Hoot Gibson (Hollywood Cowboy star), Raul Walsh (Western movie director) and a Pike Harris that moved the Elko Nevada canvasses to Modesto California.) Two of his more portable paintings showed up in Monterey California and are with the Monterey County Historical Society. I think this happened in around the 1970s and they are on display somewhere. Also in that time was the discovery of the 'haystack mural', and a further 4 pieces of his work were also found in Alberta."
Welch also illustrated two books for his son in law, Curly Fletcher (cowboy, songwriter, poet). The books are "Songs of the Sage" and Ballads of the Badlands." I am not sure when Guy Welch started to wind down on his murals because of health. I believe it was around the 40's. He then did smaller works.
"I got my information from the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta. The Glenbow in the 1970's offered $1000 for one of the Alberta paintings and were turned down. They have some pictures of his work, but none of murals or large canvasses."
Guy Welch:
Born 1886 Valentine Nebraska
Died 1958 Vallejo California
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| ** If you discover credit omissions or have additional information to add, please let us know at registrar@AskART.com. |
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