Ivan's Misfortunes: The Beginning of the End

During the 1960’s, Newman Galleries initiated a restoration program for art works and historical documents which eventually became so successful it attained national prominence and attention. These restorative techniques and procedures allowed Newman Galleries to work with art at the Washington, D.C. Art Museum, the Philadelphia Art Museum and many other public and private collectives throughout the United States.

Although the Newman Galleries successes were great, Ivan’s personal life went from one disaster to another. Family members constantly tried to convince him to sell his property in Philadelphia and move; however, he remained adamant in his resolution that divine guidance would intervene and the discovery of his true talent was soon be realized.

But alas, his misfortunes continued to occur. On September 25, 1971 another mugging took place. In 1972, his home and gallery was broken into and three of his oil paintings were stolen. Another burglary occurred in 1974 with six more paintings stolen.

Ivan finally confided to his son, Arnold, “There have been many break-ins at my home over the past years. Whoever broke in this last time knew exactly what he was doing. He stole some of my best paintings!”