Lot 367: Michael Quanne (b. 1941)

Michael Quanne (b. 1941)
Free will
signed and dated 'Quanne 93' (lower left)
oil on canvas
32 x 26 in. (81.3 x 66 cm.)

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Michael Quanne was once Britain's longest serving inmate. In 1993 he appeared at Hull Crown Court in front of Judge Barker, expecting to be sentenced for at least another seven years after repeating offences. Judge Barker was presented with a selection of Quanne's paintings by the Defence and recognising the talent in front of him, he offered Quanne the chance to turn his back on crime. If in six months Quanne could get an established gallery to hold an exhibition of his work, his sentence would be suspended. A highly respected gallery in Bruton Street immediately offered him a one-man show. Quanne has not returned to crime since. This incredibly important painting depicts Judge Barker, who gave Michael Quanne a chance and changed his life forever.