David Ascalon versus the “restorer” David Grindle.  

While the WSJ covers this story and brought it to national attention, they provide an incomplete version and instead veer to other questions about VARA. 

Oddly, the WSJ does not even name the guy who did the restoration work (David Grindle), or point out that in addition to Grindle’s signature (partially visible in the above WSJ image), there is also a list of “restoration advisors” engraved on the sculpture.  

The 1709 Blog provides some more facts and images of the signatures and before and after shots (though all low resolution).  The Courthouse News also covers the story well. 

Even more odd, is that all of this happened back in 2007, and its now just coming to light because it’s hitting the courts.