(Q62078304)

In what appeared to be almost simultaneous actions the Marlborough Gallery which was assessed $9.2 million in fines and damages by Surrogate Millard L. Midonick last week for wrongdoing in its dealings with the estate of the late abstract expresionist painter Mark Rothko, has resigned from and been expelled by the Art Dealers Association of America, an organization formed to promote and uphold ethical practices among dealers.The expulsion, announced yesterday, followed quickly on the heels of a letter of resignation sent by Marlborough last Saturday to Ralph F. Colin, administrative vice president of the association. The letter, signed by Richard L. Plaut Jr., vice president and administrator of the gallery, charged Mr. Colin with “impropriety” for a statement released in behalf of the association's board last week that said the court's opinion contained “findings and views that are most disturbing.” The statement went on to say that an emergency meeting of the board would be called to consider what action should be taken. (English)