This exhibition presents approximately 35 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from this fascinating collection. Works by Robert Motherwell and Willem de Kooning are standouts. De Kooning’s Woman is inscribed to “To Ben and Jean from Bill.” Among the other artists represented are Norman Bluhm, Robert de Niro Sr. (the Oscar winning actor’s father), Michael Goldberg, and Milton Resnick.

Rarely do we have the opportunity to show works by some of the greatest artists of the twentieth century, given as gifts to the collector,” said Museum Director Kent Lydecker. “Some have personal, signed statements by the artists. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Gollay’s widow, Jean, and his daughter, Elinor, for making this exhibition possible.

Attorney Benjamin Gollay befriended many of these artists in the postwar era. Over the course of a few decades, his collection grew to approximately 150 works, which he displayed in his office and homes in Greenwich Village and East Hampton. The works were inherited by Mrs. Gollay and Elinor.