STONEHAM –Stoneham Historical Society and Museum (SHSM) Treasurer Bee Russo is pleased to share that Gianfranco Pocobene Studio has started conservation and restoration work on the historic mural, “Stoneham, Yesterday and Today” as part of the SHSM’s ongoing effort to preserve important pieces of the town’s history.
Space is limited. Media members are asked to RSVP to Madelyn Hedges.
Media will have the opportunity to observe Gianfranco Pobobene and his team work on the mural. Pocobene and representatives from the SHSM will also be available for interviews.
WHEN:
Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon
WHERE:
The Landing at Everett Mills, 15 Union St., Lawrence, Suite 400
Enter through Entrance C, located near the loading dock, and take the passenger elevator to the 4th floor.
First come, first served parking is available in the rear of the building.
WHO:
- Gianfranco Pocobene: Director & Senior Paintings Conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene Studio & Chief Conservator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Corrine Long: Associate Paintings Conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene Studio
- Bee Russo: Treasurer, Stoneham Historical Society and Museum
- Marcia Wengen: Stoneham Historical Society and Museum and Stoneham Historical Commission
- Angela Binda: Stoneham Historical Society and Museum
WHAT:
Art conservation and restoration specialists from Gianfranco Pocobene Studio will be working on the historic mural, “Stoneham, Yesterday and Today” as part of the SHSM’s efforts to repair and redisplay the mural. The ambitious art project is funded entirely through grants and private donations.
The mural, painted by WWII combat artist Richard Gibney, was unveiled at the Main Street branch of Middlesex County National Bank, later Bank of America, in 1968. It was a familiar sight to banking customers for more than 50 years.
The SHSM obtained ownership of the mural ahead of the sale of the Main Street Bank of America branch and Gianfranco Pocobene Studio removed the mural in January 2022. At that time, it was placed in climate-controlled storage until a reinstallation location could be identified and funds necessary to start the project could be raised.
After exploring multiple options, it was determined the restored mural would be reinstalled at the SHSM, located at 36 Williams St. in Stoneham, in early 2024.
The mural was removed from storage in February 2023 and Pocobene began restoration and conservation work over the summer.
Since restoration and conservation work at the beginning of the summer, SHSM has raised $121,000 of the goal of $150,000.
More information about the project can be found at Stonehammural.org. A media kit is available by clicking here.
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