Edward Speelman

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Edward Joseph Speelman (16 May 1910 – 29 August 1994) was an English art dealer. While serving in the British Army during the Second World War, he arrested Artur Seyss-Inquart, the Reich Commissioner for the Netherlands.

Early life and family[]

Edward Speelman was born in the Willesden district of London on 16 May 1910 to Dutch-born parents.[1] His father was a fine art dealer[1] and his brother Alfred entered the same trade specialising in Asian art.[2] He was educated at University College School, Hampstead.[3]

He married Sadie De Casseres in Marylebone, London, in 1937,[4] with whom he had a son.[5]

Career[]

Speelman began his career in the art business at the Dutch firm Duits where he was employed to help form a photographic library.[3] He then moved to Legers in London's Bond Street. He subsequently started his own business but never expanded it beyond two rooms despite completing many large sales. A strong linguist he was able to form a profitable association with the Dutch dealer Nathan Katz, who spoke no English, and he often collaborated with and . He was a specialist in Dutch painting and formed the collection of Netherlandish works that was owned by Harold Samuel and given after Samuel's death to the Mansion House.[5]

He served as an intelligence officer with the British Army during the Second World War and was appointed as a liaison officer between the Dutch and British forces. He personally arrested Artur Seyss-Inquart, the Reich Commissioner for the Netherlands, who was subsequently hanged as a war criminal. Speelman was mentioned in despatches and made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his wartime service.[5]

He owned racehorses and with won the French 2000 Guineas in 1955. He was a keen golfer and retired to France and Switzerland.[5]

He funded a post-graduate research fellowship at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, in Dutch and Flemish painting.

Death[]

Speelman died in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 29 August 1994. He was survived by his wife and son.[5]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Wessel Speelman England and Wales Census, 1911. Family Search. Retrieved 19 November 2017. (subscription required)
  2. ^ A & J Speelman Ltd Oriental Art. BADA. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Speelman, Edward Joseph (Oral history). Imperial War Museums, 1992. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  4. ^ Edward J Speelman mentioned in the record of De Casseres and Edward J Speelman. Family Search. Retrieved 19 November 2017. (subscription required)
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Edward Speelman", The Times, 10 September 1994, p. 19.
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