We’re excited to announce a special online auction in support of our Restore the King campaign.

The public has the opportunity to bid on an original, framed oil painting by Delaware artist of Wilmington’s historic Diamond State Brewery, depicted as it stood in 1945. The artwork by Wilmington painter Jimmy Thompson features the brewery’s distinctive architecture, including its central brewhouse tower and the figure of Gambrinus—the legendary “King of Beer”—prominently displayed on the building. The piece measures an impressive 29″ wide by 35″ high (with a depth of 1¼”) and is set within a beautifully proportioned 2¾” antique gold frame.

Once located at Fifth and Adams streets, the Diamond State Brewery was rebuilt in 1882 and grew to become the largest brewery in Delaware and one of the most significant between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Though the complex was demolished in the early 1960s, its legacy remains an important part of Wilmington’s industrial and cultural history.

Proceeds from this auction will directly support the restoration of the historic King Gambrinus statue and its return to public view.

Click here to bid on the painting.

The auction closes May 21, 2026, so don’t miss your chase to claim this one-of-a-kind piece of Delaware history.