Frank Ashford is said to have entered a “French Peasant” phase of his career and began painting street people in Paris, or was inspired by literary works (see Oliver Twist), we’re just not sure. This painting is called The Refugees and features a young boy and his dog. The year has not yet been determined. It was found at the University of Washington’s Henry Art Museum in Seattle. It is part of a large collection once owned by Horace Henry. Henry gave his entire collection to UW and funds to build a museum. His collection at the time was worth $450,000 and he contributed $150,000 for the construction. He died in 1929. It is not known how Henry came to own two Frank Ashford paintings, but he did. The other could be a companion piece to Chrysanthemums and is titled Spirea and Rambling Roses.

The Refugees canvas measures 31 7/8″ x 21 5/16″

Frank Clifford Ashford, The Refugees, n.d. Oil on canvas. Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, Seattle, Horace C. Henry Collection, 26.1. Photo: Nick Pironio. Used with permission, and we are grateful for their cooperation.