|
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.
|
|
