[MassHistPres] hanging painting exhibitions in historicbuildings

Tue May 21 10:39:05 EDT 2013

Since the building would most likely have had picture moulding originally,
why not re-install that, which would be particularly appropriate if there
will be a succession of exhibits to be hung over the years.

John Worden

Arlington HDC

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Diane Gilbert
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 8:20 AM
To: Robert Smith; Untitled
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Fwd: hanging painting exhibitions in
historicbuildings

Greetings All,

I thought I might add a little bit more information about this historic
building.    So far, about $328,000 was allocated to this building through
CPA’s historic preservation funds.  It is owned by the Town of Dartmouth and
is being leased by a member-supported local non-profit, Dartmouth Historical
& Arts Society [DHAS], which has a mission of providing living history
education and other related programming about local history plus it is being
used as an occasional art gallery and to offer arts programs, lectures, and
also related events to augment art appreciation in the region, and the
building also serves as a meeting place, open to the public.  

DHAS is planning to host artists to display their works during a weekend in
August during the area’s Open Studio Tours which is expected to be a very
exciting event and will be well-attended.

In the interest of full disclosure, my organization, the Dartmouth Heritage
Preservation Trust, Inc., is aligned with the Town to hold the Preservation
Restriction on the exterior of the property.

The interior’s features are largely intact and have not been altered except
for periods when utilities had to be added to make it functional in the 20th
and now 21st century, as explained below.  Some of us have asked that other
options be considered for displaying art works such as a picture molding
which as far as we know may have existed in the late 19th century since many
old buildings such as schoolhouses had those from which to suspend pictures,
maps, drawings, the alphabet and numbers, and so on,  but a picture molding
does not exist today.  Moveable panels for art and didactic displays are
another suggestion which would work nicely. 

Bob Smith, who is also the chair of the DHAS in addition to his role as a
member of the Dartmouth Historical Commission, and I are looking for
suggestions that would not put the plaster walls at risk, subjecting them to
spackling and painting after every wall display, in a room that has period
unpainted wood trim and wainscoting, etc. Temporary solutions that don’t for
temporary exhibitions in this particular venue seem more respectful and
faithful to the historic integrity of this building. 

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.  Below please find some
additional information about this building.

Best regards,
Diane Gilbert, President
Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc.

The Building is a contributing structure in the Russells Mills Local
Historic District, (Massachusetts General Law chapter 40C), which
encompasses resources along Russells Mills, Rock O’Dundee, Slades Corner,
Horseneck and Fisher Roads.  The district retains a rural setting of the
mid-nineteenth century and contains dwellings from the late eighteenth and
early nineteenth centuries. The Property is located on approximately
one-third of an acre on the north side of Russells Mills Road. 

The character-defining historic features of the Building is a simple
two-story wood-frame Greek Revival building which is an excellent late
example of a style that was popular in the area from about 1825 to 1860. The
façade design elements and trim suggest the form of a temple, distinguished
by a gable roof, hipped roof entry, six-over-six double-hung wood sash
windows, and a wood frame bell tower.  Historically and architecturally,
this Building is one of the more significant structures of the Russells
Mills Local Historic District. 

The Building was constructed in 1871 and served as an elementary school for
the first year and then became a high school for two years, a role that was
rotated every two years among the various village schools of Dartmouth at
that time.  In 1895, a library was started when the principal of the school
felt that a library was needed for his 31 students.  By 1904, the library
was moved to another building.  In 1915, the school was decommissioned and
replaced by a new school on 1167 Russells Mills Road, now the location of
artists studios including the Saltmarsh Pottery. In 1916, the Building was
reopened as a library known as the Russells Mills Library.  This branch was
closed in 2007.

The Building underwent significant changes in the twentieth century,
including a new double-door front entrance, toilet room, office space, and
mechanical systems. It qualifies as a partially preserved building from 1871
but with its exterior largely intact except for the following subsequent
alterations: (1) entrance alterations made in 1916, when the original two
single entrance doors and transom lights were combined to make the double
front door entry; (2)  the northern single entry was partially in-filled
with a 2/2 double hung sash; and (3) in 1959, a single entry door was
installed west of entry; 

The Building retains sufficient integrity of its characteristic historic
appearance, form and materials to convey its associations with the original
1871 building and as a property is historically significant for its
associations and architecture.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Robert Smith <bartlettrs at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, May 17, 2013 at 3:12 PM
Subject: hanging painting exhibitions in historic buildings
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu

I would appreciate input on protocols/policies for hanging temporary art
exhibitions in historic buildings.  (Exterior of the building in question is
historically preserved, the interior is not).  I have seen that museums and
galleries use a (familiar) hook with a fine nail with knurled head, and
after the exhibition, nails are carefully removed, holes lightly spackled,
and wall area repainted when needed.  (Hooks I've seen are manufactured by
OOK and Hillman, taking 1-3 nails, depending on picture weight).
There is no existing picture molding from which to hang pictures in the
building.
Bob Smith
Dartmouth Historic Commission  

  _____  

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