'Bakersfield Mist'
May 8 2014

Picture: Bakersfield Mist
If you're in London over the next few months, you might be interested in seeing a new play all about art attribution, called Bakersfield Mist, which opens on 10th May. Starring Kathleen Turner (who was in a string of hits in the '80s and '90s) and Ian McDiarmid (best known as the Emperor in Star Wars), the play is all about a possible Jackson Pollock painting, which was bought in a junk store for a few dollars by Maude, a heavy-drinker who lives in a trailer park. The play shows Maude's discussions with Lionel, the Pollock connoisseur whose opinion can determine whether or not Maude has hit the jackpot.
I was asked to go to the rehearsals to advise the actors on how a connoisseur's mind works, and how attributions are made. It was a fascinating afternoon, and I came away with a sense that they were keen not only to show the human drama of such a scenario, but how it works from an art historical perspective. I've also written a note for the programme. You can book tickets here.
Update - a reader writes:
You gave them good advice, I went to the first preview tonight and I recommend it, Ms Turner seems to be growling a bit, but the subject matter is very interesting, and Ian Mcdiarmid was excellent.
Update II - another reader asks:
Have you seen the documentary on this subject?
Nope. I think certain elements of the 'evidence' have since been proven to be false.