The Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford and Westmoreland Museum of American Art in western Pennsylvania used the draft method to divide Richard Mellon Scaife’s impressive art collection, writes M. Thomas for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

When Scaife died four years ago, his will specified that his collection should be equally divided between the two museums.

“The will said the two museums could determine the process,” said Judy O’Toole, director and CEO of the Westmoreland Museum.

Brandywine received the first pick with the representatives from the two museums separated by a partition.

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“When the first pick was being made, there was a lot of tension in the air,” said Thomas Padon, Brandywine director.

Brandywine used its first pick wisely, choosing “New Jersey Salt Marsh” by Martin Johnson Heade.

“That painting just knocked me over from across the room,” said Padon.

After the selection, the Top 25 choices from each museum became part of a special exhibition, “The Art of Giving: Selections From the Richard M. Scaife Bequest.” This is currently on display at the Westmoreland and will come to the Brandywine for an exhibition from March 9-May 27, 2019.

Read more about Scaife’s art collection in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by clicking here.

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