Artist who provided a link to Einstein

RECENTLY I attended a service for the late Frank Sanquest, artist and former art editor of the then Cork Examiner.

Many years ago, when I first took up pencil sketching, I had occasion to require his assistance.

I asked him if he might have some photographs from which I could sketch.

At the time all my efforts to acquire a photo of Albert Einstein had proved in vain. Even the photo taken by Karsh of Ottowa, the most famous photographer of that period, was too dark and lacked profile definition.

I explained my predicament to Frank. In due course he provided me with a very suitable photograph by Philippe Halsman.

I made a sketch from this and sent it to Einstein himself and it was returned to me bearing his signature.

At the millennium I was most gratified to find that the Halsman portrait was used for Time Magazine’s ‘Man of the Century’.

But all the credit for my prized possession must go to Frank. His genius and generosity knew no bounds.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Brian O’Donnell

Hi-B Bar

Oliver Plunkett Street

Cork