Wqe QIommonfneaHq of ~a5sarqusetfs MASSACHUSETTS ART COMMISSION STATE HOUSE - ROOM 10 BOSTON, MA 02133 Tel: (617) 727-2607 Ext. 517 Fax: (617) 727-5400

Arlene E. Friedberg Chainnan

Bonita A. Flood ANNUAL REPORT Paula M. Korol Peter L. Waish YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1995 Katherine B. Winter

The Massachusetts Art Commission respectfully submits the Annual Report for the year ending June 30, 1995. The Art Commission is charged under General Laws ch. 6, sections 19 and 20 with the ·custody and care of the historic relics in the State House, and of all works of art." It is the responsibility of the Art Commission to-see that this museum quality collection is professionally handled, properly maintained, and appropriately displayed. The Commission receives annual appro­ priations for its programs of conservation and preservation of the State House art collection through the Bureau of State Office Buildings, while it remains a valuable resource for research and consultation on art-related matters.

ART CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

The conservation program was directed this year to works of sculpture. Two phases of care were implemented: primary care of commemorative plaques, and maintenance of all full size statues installed throughout the building and on the grounds.

Interior plaques

Fifteen plaques and bas-reliefs located on the first, second and third floors were slated for treatment. In addition to conditions normally found including grime build-up, discolored wax, paint spatters, and other aceretions, tests revealed that several plaques were originally two-tone in appearance, i.e. the raised surfaces of the plaque (such as inscription and decorative edging) were polished after the patination process to reveal the gold-colored, raw bronze beneath. Left untreated and uncoated, these areas eventually oxidized. Over time the dark tarnished areas also acquired a film of dust and dirt until they could no longer be distinguished from those patinated surfaces. With a uniform brown surface, the true appearance of these plaques, the Abraham Lincoln/Gettysburg Address, for example, had been erased from memory.

After cleaning the entire plaque, conservators cleaned dirt and tarnish from the inscription and raised edges, and then coated all surfaces with Incralac, an acrylic coating which will retard future· tarnishing, and preserve the untreated bronze surfaces.

Several plaques required stabilization after having become insecure in their mounts over the years. The six-foot tall John Ancrum Winslow bas-relief, in particular, was beginning to pull away from the wall. This and other plaques which presented a threat both to themselves and to the public, were re-secured in situ. .

MR 702M3 M41 1995 i f"ary f M hu c .1 State House/._ Boston / ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ART COMMISSION YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1995 Page 2

Interior sculpture maintenance

Seven years have passed since the five full-size bronze and marble statues inside the State House received primary treatment in 1988 . Since that time, the building has undergone two phases of renovations, and visitor traffic has increased exponentially. Professional maintenance was therefore indicated somewhat earlier than the ten year schedule originally projected. Conservators removed dirt­ laden wax, spilled food and drink from bronze and marble surfaces, and floor wax and scuff-marks from bases. Repeated handling had already removed in some places the chemical patina applied during the previous treatment. These areas of exposed bronze were coated with a tinted acrylic coating to restore an original appearance, while not embrittling the metal through repeated heat-chemical processes.

Exterior sculpture maintenance

Annual maintenance was conducted by professional sculpture conservators on seven exterior bronze monuments in April. Each statue was ' inspected for damage to the metal surface and patina, cleaned, the acrylic "Incralac" coating repaired as necessary, and the entire bronze rewaxed in order to protect it from the elements during the coming year. Routine maintenance procedures such as these will preyent the recurrence of the corrosion process which causes irreparable damage and disfigurement to bronze monuments in an exterior environment, and save many thousands of dollars in repeat conservation efforts. The John F. Kennedy Memorial, for example, has been maintained annually since its installation in 1990, and appears today in nearly original condition. Annual preventive maintenance will help to preserve this statue for many years to come and preclude future costly conservation treatment.

Other protective measures

In an effort to further protect the art objects in the collection, the Art Commission has taken several measures to guard against damage and defray the effects of improper handling. The Army Nurses and Roger Wolcott/Spanish-American War memorials have now been permanently roped off as a reminder to the viewer not to handle or place any objects on the statues.

Nine additional portraits were reframed under plexi-glass this year. The plexi glazing will protect freshly conserved paint surfaces from air-borne pollutants, including nicotine issue and cooking grease, as well as splashes and damage from foreign objects. We are of the hope that the slight disturbance this plexi-glass might cause the viewer will be offset by an understanding of the irreplaceable nature of the art collection and our further efforts toward long-term preservation.

The State House continues to serve as a popular function and reception hall, providing an elegant and historic setting for diverse groups to meet. Sit down dinners for hundreds of people are held in the public corridors while receptions to accommodate upwards of several thousand people are now being arranged. Education in the proper care of the collection proves to be as important as ever. In order to safeguard the objects from mis-treatment by set-up personnel, caterers,-- and functions sponsors, the Art Commission issued guidelines detailing appropriate and acceptable set-up in areas displaying art works, and initiated the revision of the functions permit to address decorations, displays, food and drink preparation and service.

Instruction and reminders for the proper treatment of and conduct around works of art are transmitted to scheduling, security, maintenance and other building personnel by such means as formal guidelines for care, memoranda, the Bureau of State Office Buildings' "Newsletter." Guidelines for proper display and care of art works were also revised and issued to all offices in which art from the collection is installed. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ART COMMISSION YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1995 Page 3

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES New acquisitions

Two objects were added to the collection during the fiscal year. The 26th Yankee Division plaque (1994.1) was unveiled in the east wing entrance to the State House, off Mt. Vernon Street, on August 27, 1994. The Yankee Division of Infantry, composed completely of troops from New England, was the first division to be deployed to Europe during World War II. This plaque, a gift to the Commonwealth from the Yankee Division Veterans Association, was unveiled 50 years to the day following their deployment.

The Liberty Elm Tree plaque (1994.2) was dedicated September 26, 1994. This small bronze plaque marks the location of the "Liberty Elm" which was planted on the west lawn one year ago. The tree, is a pure American elm, has been developed to be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. The American Elm is Massachusetts' state tree; members of the Elm Research Institute hope to re-establish the elm in towns across the Commonwealth through their tree planting program. The plaque was donated by Fleet . National Bank, Shawmut Charitable Foundation, and Massachusetts members of the Elm Research Institute. .

The Art Commission also reviewed and approved a bronze plaque honoring the contributions of citizens and corporations to the John F. Kennedy Memorial statue. The dedication of this donor recognition plaque on the west wing plaza has been postponed pending construction in that area. The Art Commission also reviewed proposals for several additional memorials of which it anticipates the dedication during FY'95.

Research assistance and public infonnation The Art Commission office remains a resource for information and research on a variety of art related matters. The Art Collections Manager addressed inquiries relating to the State House collection and local art including research in historical, art historical and conservation fields from art and historical institutions, scholars, local authorities, in-house personnel and the general public. Requests for photographic reproductions of objects in the collection continue to arrive . . This year, images fr<>m the collection appeared in such publications as Constitution Magazine, and Save Outdoor Sculpture: Guide to Conservation (National Institute for Conservation). Massachusetts' English roots were also recognized by British publishers including Andromeda Press and BBC Books.

Images from the collection also appeared in exhibitions, including "Through Many Eyes: A Look at New Hampshire History," at the new Museum of New Hampshire History, "Seige at Louisbourg," at the Charlestown Navy Yard, and an exhibit mounted by the Secretary of State in Doric Hall commemorating the history of the State House. Electronic media also made prodigious use of the collection. Multiple images appeared in productions including "Under the Dome" (Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Research), "The .American Revolution" (Arts and Entertainment Network), and the information kiosk which now greets visitors to the State House.·- Descendants and independent researchers contact the Art Commission on a regular basis for information and images from the collection.

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Catalogue of the Collection

The Art Commission continued planning for the re-issue of the catalogue of the State House art collection. Since the first catalogue was published in 1986, new objects have been added to the collection, much additional research has been conducted, and many of the paintings, sculptures and murals have received primary conservation treatment. A revised and expanded version will contain additional essays and longer and more informative catalogue entries over the original illustrated checklist. Several projects originally planned for spring 1995 were cancelled by the Art Commission in order to concentrate our efforts on the preparation of the manuscript.

Staff

There have been no changes of members-on the Art Commission over the past year. Katherine B. Winter was re-appointed on November 24, 1995 to a five-year term ending November 29, 1999.

Susan Greendyke Lachevre continues to serve as Art Collections Manager, having concluded her eleventh annual contract. Based upon the demonstrated need for an on-site caretaker of the collection, the Art Commission continues to lobby for the establishment of a permanent position.

The members join me in thanking the administration and legislature for their continued support of our . programs. It is particularly gratifying for the volunteer commission to see so many of its projects completed, and to witness the results not only in its stunning display of this historic collection, but also in the enjoyment of its admirers.

Respectfully submitted, ~L:~ Chairman erg ~ ABRAHAM LINCOLN/GETTYSBURG ADDRESS Bronze bust/plaque, 1911, Doric Hall.

Mid-treatment photograph by Daedalus, Inc., conservators, Cambridge, Mass., showing partial removal of tarnish from lettering (1995).

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· .J· < MASSACHUSETTS ART COMMISSION SUMMARY OF ART CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FISCAL YEAR

1985 COLLECTIONS SURVEYS Inventory of collection Photographic documentation Easel painting condition evaluation Sculpture condition evaluation · Mural condition evaluation Historical survey

1986

SCULPTURE o· George Washington - Funded by the Doric Dames, Inc., Bulfinch Restoration Foundation

PUBLISHED Art in the Massachusetts State House, fully illustrated catalogue of the collection.

1987 EXTERIOR SCULPTURE Mary Dyer Joseph Hooker Anne Hutchinson Henry Cabot Lodge Horace Mann Daniel Webster

MURALS Memorial Hall: The Pilgrims on the Mayflower John Eliot Preaching to the Indians Battle at Concord Bridge Return of the Colors to the Custody of the Commonwealth Third floor: Marching Through Baltimore (repair)

EXTERIOR SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE Daniel Webster Horace Mann

FLAG STORAGE PROJECT: development of archival grade storage system and removal of 480 historic battle flags from Memorial Hall to vault, State House. SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FISCAL YEAR - page 2

1988 APPRAISALS: Paintings, sculpture, frames

EASEL PAINTINGS FRAMES, from the portraits of: Francis Bernard Thomas Hutchinson William Burnet John Leverett Richard Coote William Shirley Thomas Hutchinson Charles Sumner John Leverett Artemas Ward Leverett Saltonstail Emory Washburn William Shirley Charles Sumner Increase Sumner William Tailer Artemas Ward Emory Washburn

SCULPTURE PORTRAIT BUSTS · INTERIOR STATUES AND BASES . Senate Chamber: John Albion Andrew George Boutwell Army Nurses Memorial Benjamin Franklin William Francis Bartlett Marquis de Lafayette Roger Wolcott/Spanish War Memorial Abraham Lincoln Samuel Francis Smith Charles Sumner COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES Gardiner Tufts Thomas Dudley George Washington Nelson A. Miles Henry Wilson

Second floor: John Adams Oliver Ames Frederic Greenbalge Henry Cabot Lodge, Sr. Samuel Walker McCall . William Russell George Washington

Third floor: Theodore Roosevelt

EXTERIOR SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE Horace Mann Daniel Webster

FILM: "The Art of Saving History," documenting conservation projects 1986-1987 SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FISCAL YEAR - page 3

1989 EASEL PAINTINGS FRAMES, from the portraits of: Jonathan Belcher Jonathan Belcher Benjamin Butler Benjamin Butler Frederic Cook John Davis John Davis William Douglas William Douglas Eben Draper Eben Draper William Eustis William Eustis Spencer Phips Eugene Foss George Robinson Spencer Phips Samuel Shute George Robinson Samuel Shute William Washburn

MURAL Decoration of the Colors of the 100th United States Infantry

SCULPTIJRE George Washington Winged Victory (crating and storage) Anne Hutchinson - statue plaque

EXTERIOR SCULPTIJRE MAINTENANCE fall 1988: Mary Dyer Anne Hutchinson Henry Cabot Lodge Joseph Hooker spring 1989: Mary Dyer Anne Hutchinson Joseph Hooker Henry Cabot Lodge Horace Mann Daniel Webster

1990

SCULPTIJRE Beacon Hill Monument: bronze"eagle - funded by the Division of Capital Planning and Operations

1991 Art Commission funding expropriated - no conservation conducted. SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FISCAL YEAR - page 4

1992

EASEL PAINfINGS FRAMES, from the portraits of: Samuel Adams Samuel Adams Oliver Ames Oliver Ames Edmund Andros Edmund Andros J ames Bowdoin James Bowdoin John Q. Brackett John Q. Brackett John Brooks . John Brooks John Clifford John Clifford Winthrop M. Crane Winthrop M. Crane Jospeh Dudley Joseph Dudley William Dummer William Dummer Joseph B. Ely Joseph B. Ely Edward Everett Edward Everett Levi Lincoln, Jr. Levi Lincoln, Jr.

SCULPTURE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES PORTRAIT BUSTS Charles Duryea Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. Hancock House marker Louis Brandeis John Winthrop/ ArbelIa Grand Army of the Republic Beacon Hill Monument English High School Norman Prince Curtis Guild Memorial Logan Memorial Congressional Medal of Honor: World War I Congressional Medal of Honor: Spanish-American War

EXTERIOR SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE Mary Dyer Joseph Hooker Anne Hutchinson, plus plaque John F. Kennedy IJenry Cabot Lodge Horace Mann Daniel Webster

1993 MURALS Veterans of the Sixth Regiment Memorial: Introduction and Record of Duty "Marching Through Baltimore" "Landing in Porto Rico" Record of Duty II SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FlSCAL YEAR - page 5

1993 - continued

EASEL PAINTINGS FRAMES, from the portraits of: Nathaniel Banks John Andrew Simon Bradstreet Nathaniel Banks George Briggs Simon Bradstreet George Boutwell George Briggs Henry Gardner George Boutwell Elbridge Gerry Henry Gardner Christopher Gore Elbridge Gerry John Hancock Christopher Gore Charles Hurley John Hancock Marcus Morton Charles Hurley Caleb Strong Marcus Morton James Sullivan Caleb Strong James Sullivan

John A. Andrew - treatment funded by-Mr. Robert B. Severy, Weymouth, Mass.

DECORATIVE ARTS and ARTIFACTS Gasolier, Governor's Office

1994

EASEL PAINTINGS FRAMES, from the portraits of: Alexander Bullock Richard Bellingham Henry Childs Alexander Bullock John D. Long Henry Childs · Alexander Rice John Endecott John Wheelwright Abraham Lincoln John D. Long Richard Bellingham * Alexander Rice John Endecott * John Wheelwright Abraham Lincoln * John Winthrop Henry Vane * Edward Winslow John Winthrop * Josiah Winslow Edward Winslow * Josiah Winslow *

(*) treatments funded by Mr. Robert Bayard Severy, Weymouth, Mass.

MURALS Nurses Hall (surface cleaning only): Paul Revere's Ride John Hancock medallion James Otis Arguing Against the Writs of Assistance Samuel Adams medallion Boston Tea Party SUMMARy OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS BY FISCAL YEAR - page 6

1994 - continued

EXTERIOR SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE Mary Dyer Joseph Hooker Anne Hutchinson, plus plaque John F. Kennedy (fall, spring) Henry Cabot Lodge Horace Mann Daniel Webster

PLEXI-GLASS REFRAMING: 10 portraits reframed under protective glass.

1995 SCULPTURE CONSERVATION

COMMEMORA TIVE .PLAQUES: Charles Bulfmch John Hancock Abraham Lincoln/Gettysburg Address State House Preservation Thomas Selfridge George Luther Stearns Jeremiah O'Brien Henry B. Endicott Thomas Greely Stevenson John Ancrum Winslow Chaplains Memorial Medal of Honor: World War II1Korean Conflict Pierre Jay State House Wings

James Jackson Storrow

INTERIOR STATUE MAINTENANCE: George Washington John A. Andrew William F. Bartlett Army Nurses Memorial Roger Wolcott/Spanish War Memorial

EXTERIOR SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE: Mary Dyer Joseph Hooker Anne Hutchinson John F. Kennedy Henry Cabot Lodge Horace Mann Daniel Webster PLEXI-GLASS REFRAMING: 9 portraits reframed under protective glass.