The inspiration for this week's post is Carry A. Nation, the famous barroom smasher. Carry believed that alcohol was the root of all society's evils, and she took hatchet to things she didn't like (namely bars, whisky bottles and paintings of scantily clad ladies). Though some called her mad, her barroom appearances had the strange effect … Continue reading 113: Mother of Pearl Veneer
When working at a local history museum, the collections encompass a very wide variety of materials. As awesome as we strive to be, no one person can be an expert in all materials. This is how the Aurora Historical Society's hairpin graveyard came to be. Back in 1991, a very professional and well intentioned curator (that I'm … Continue reading 93: Specialized Museum Storage Trays
This past Sunday, I presented the 3rd Annual "Art in the Parlor" presentation with Art conservator Scott Sherwood. (For those not in the know, my day job is curator for the Aurora Historical Society, in Aurora, Illinois.) It's one of my favorite presentations all year. The format is that we choose 4-5 "objects d' art" … Continue reading 80: Katana Stand
Another etched wooden book cover, this one for acknowledging gifts to the Hoard Historical Museum and the Fort Atkinson Historical Society. My photo of the cover didn't turn out at all, but the most interesting bit was this decorative etch inside. It's only fully visible when the binder is open flat!
