Rockwell “Shuffleton’s Barbershop”
The Berkshire Museum is trying to gain the public trust and put the whole deaccessioning matter behind them. Recently they stated that as they move forward it will be done “transparently, cooperatively, and thoughtfully.” While that is all well and good, the public is still looking for answers to: How much did they sell the Rockwell’s Shuffleton’s Barbershop for? Who is paying the legal bills?
Since the Rockwell was sold in a private transaction and normally those deals come with a non-disclosure agreement, it is unlikely that anyone involved will reveal the actual amount. However, after the recent sales, the museum reported that net proceeds from the sales totaled $42 million — $13 million short of the $55 million they are allowed to raise (that was before the private sale of the Frederick Church to the PAFA after it did not sell in the auction). Using those numbers, we can calculate that the Rockwell sold for about $30 million.
Moving forward there are still some things that need to be ironed out. What else will be sold? How will it be sold? When will it be sold? This saga/battle is far from over.
Source: Amid Controversy, Berkshire Museum Pledges Transparency