By Annette Hinkle
Visitors to the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum might think the new summer exhibit looks a bit forlorn upon first glance, populated as it is with portraits, papers and objects that appear somewhat worse for the wear. But the point of “Orphans in the Attic,” which opens this weekend and highlights a handful of rarely seen items, is to focus attention on the conservation challenges facing both museums and collectors who are looking to preserve their precious objects.
Executive director Zach Studenroth explains that when objects are bequeathed to museums, they sometimes come with serious condition issues, so are put in storage until something can be done for them. The idea for this show, he notes, literally came from a trip upstairs.
“In the attic, we came across some interesting things that had never been displayed,” said Studenroth. “They are objects that are interesting and haven’t seen the light of day.”
After preselecting 30 items for consideration, the final exhibit was edited down to nine objects and curator Judy Estes came in to evaluate each piece and make conservation recommendations.
“We wanted examples that showed different materials — something wooden, a textile, a painting, a metal object, paper — so we could talk about what type of repairs you can do on these things,” explained Studenroth.
The exhibit features a biographical paragraph written from the point of view of the object itself with its provenance, condition issues, recommended treatment and approximate cost of repair. The museum is hoping visitors will “adopt” the orphans by donating to a fund to help restore them.
“We didn’t want to have a barometer associated with each object,” said Studenroth. “If we only get $100 for an object that takes a few thousand to restore, we can’t commit to that. So we’re starting one fund, and when we get money in, we will make a determination of what can be repaired.”
Among the items are:
Portrait of a Gentleman, oil painting on canvas, gesso and gilt frame (c. 1840-50). This is a painting of John Tyler Havens who hailed from a distinguished North Haven whaling family. Condition issues include a tear in the lower left corner, buckling paint, sagging canvas and white paint or bird droppings marring the surface. Estimated cost of restoration: $2,500.
Fire bucket, leather, paint decoration (c. 1800). This is a bucket that was used to carry water to help put out fires. The stencil indicates it was owned by S. Worth. Condition issues are related to aging leather, which dries out and becomes brittle. Waxes and acrylic resins can be used to rejuvenate fibers, allowing a leather worker to fix the stitching on the bucket. Estimated cost of repair and treatment: $850.
Foot warmer, oak and/or chestnut (c. late 1700s). This foot warmer (possibly owned by someone with the initials N.F.) holds a galvanized tray inside for hot coals. The heat escaped through the perforations in the box, keeping the owner cozy on cold winter nights. Condition issues include an unidentified white material on the top of the box and the original red paint which is almost completely worn off. Estimated cost of repairing and cleaning: $200.
Sailor’s “valentine” or decorative object, shells and pieces of mirror, framed under glass (c. early 1800s). This folk art piece, possibly made by a sailor on a whaling voyage, was assembled using shells, coral and mirror. Though it’s by an unknown artist, its fragile construction makes it relatively rare. Condition issues include missing shells and an unstably perched bird which will have to be removed carefully from the frame for repairs. Estimated cost to restore: $1,500.
“Orphans in the Attic” opens Saturday, May 15, 2010 at The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum (200 Main Street, Sag Harbor, (631) 725-0770). A Members’ Reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 21. The exhibit runs through October 15, 2010.
Sailor's "Valentine" (top). Michael Heller photo.
