About fifteen years ago I was invited to give an estimate for the cleaning of two portraits which hang in the spectacular 18th century colonial governor's mansion, the Shirley-Eustis House, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The philosophy of the Association at that time was to preserve the building, but keep a very low profile. Since that time, with new leadership, this policy has been changed, and one of the most remarkable buildings in all of New England is now open to the public. About a year ago a new director called and asked me if I would be interested in restoring the portraits, and you can see the results below. When you look at Mr. Brinley's portrait notice the steep hill with the mast just beside his right shoulder. This is the ledgendary Beacon Hill in Boston, habitat for a nearly extinct species of New Englander known as the "Boston Brahmin," and the site of the Massachusetts state capital building.
Shirley-Eustis House, Roxbury, Massachusetts
These portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Brinley were painted after Smibert and cleaned and lined by our Senior Conservator, Jackie Trombley.
Courtesy of the Shirley-Eustis House Association