The mail bag brings us a story about a copy of John Decker’s painting that has been in someone’s family for 50 years. Dave Curtin writes us:
Hello,
And it inspired me to reach out. I’m not sure if the family or estate or collectors would be interested, but I have an original Paval portrait of Errol Flynn. It’s pretty amazing.
It’s been in my family for 50 years as it originally belonged to my father who owned a nightclub in West Hollyood in the 1970s.
Then it went to Newport Beach with him and my stepmom, then came back to me to studio city. Now it’s back in Newport Beach.
We’ve thought about selling it from time to time but it would need to go to the right person at the right price. A friend of mine recently purchased a house in West Hollywood behind the comedy store that once belonged to Errol. I might see if he’d like it in that place since it ties back to the story.
Let me know your thoughts on any of this. Here’s an attachment of the photo.
Best, Dave
— David DeWitt
Jack Marino
September 30, 2022 at 8:50 am
There are only two John Decker paintings of Errol Flynn. The original is now in the hands of Rory Flynn. Errol took that painting to Jamaica from Muholland Farm when he cleaned out the house of all his belonging and moved them to the Jamaica Estate.
The second painting was done by John Decker who was commissioned by one of Errol’s acting friends who wanted a copy. Decker painted it again the exact same size all from memory. In the second painting, Errol has a slight smile.
When that actor passed away his family put the painting up for auction and it was both by a writer friend of mine who was on my radio show. He collects Decker paintings. He has had it for decades and it is hanging in his home.
I suspect the actor was Thomas Mitchell and I’m not sure if Errol even knew about this 2nd painting.