Art dealer Ivo Bouwman from The Hague Holland, acquired approximately four hundred paintings and pastels of the Swiss born artist Willy James from the Museum Petit Palais in Geneva. This private museum contains the art collection of OSCAR GHEZ.
The acquisition of works of art from a private museum at such a scale is a unique event in today’s world of art dealing.

The Swiss born artist Willy James (1920-2004) painted in a complete individual style scenes of Paris. The works are very recognizable for its colorful, happy and accessible subjects but above all its figuration in these scenes. Montparnasse, Montmartre, the surroundings of the Sacre Coeur, the Seine, its bridges are James’ favorite subjects. Fair grounds, winter scenes, views of Geneva etc. etc., all of these can be found in his this collection.
It is undeniable that the figuration in James’ paintings give them a complete different atmosphere or ambiance in comparison to the works of Utrillo, Alphons Quizet and Albert Marquet.

The Museum Petit Palais in Geneva belonged to Oscar Ghez (1905-1998) a passionate collector who only followed his own intuition and taste. Willy James, who was a friend of Oscar Ghez received a yearly income from him, and provided in this manner Ghez with his works of which a few exhibitions were held at the Museum. The Museum and its collection is inherited by his only child and son Claude Ghez.

Ivo Bouwman; exhibitor at the T.E.F.A.F. since the very beginning, one of the TV experts at the Dutch version of the “Antiques Road Show” is planning to turn Willy James into a truly international artist. Part of this collection will be shown during a selling exhibition for two months in The Hague Holland and he is preparing similar exhibitions elsewhere in Europe and beyond.

For further information:
Gallery Ivo Bouwman
Tel. 00 31 70 3283660
Fax 00 31 70 3283881
E: info@ivobouwman.nl
www.ivobouwman.nl