Spaces by Charles Gresham (CA, 1921-2019), gouache on artist board, signed on back, circa 1950s, framed - 35 1/2” x 28 1/2”
So Gresham has one of my favorite stories of any artists in the collection. He passed away after living in San Francisco for many years, where he was loved by his local community. He was well known for being frugal but also for being philanthropic and a passionate conservationist. He prided himself on never purchasing new clothes, he walked rather than drive and had no issues scouring the garbage cans of restaurants for leftover meals (he distributed these meals to those in his neighborhood facing hunger). He was also an avid gardener, creating gardens out of overlooked areas in his neighborhood, such as small alleyways filled with trash. Despite all appearances and despite his way of living, Gresham was actually well off.
He came from an affluent family with connections to the du Pont dynasty. Going against the grain always, Gresham determined to make it on his own. He turned away his family’s affluence and dropped out of college after one year to pursue a life of art and gardening. He held odd jobs throughout his life-herding sheep in New Mexico, parking cars at a Hollywood studio - earning just enough to sustain himself and his passions.
He arrived in San Francisco in the 1960s, where he joined the Teamsters and later worked at Butterfield’s auction house. Through hard work and constant savings, he was able to buy a 500 sq ft home where he lived until his passing at 98.
It was only after his passing that the true scope of his privileged background, his frugality, his hard work, savings and smart investments, and his love for people and nature became well known. He left millions behind for local charities and his community, including $1.4 million alone to a local land trust.
Oh, and somewhere in all of that, Gresham had a prolific explosion as an artist during the 1950s in Los Angeles, exhibiting at the Esther Robles Gallery. But that’s about all I know of his time as an artist. That and the great work he left behind for us to enjoy, along with his inspiring life.