What a treat. In anticipation of their 2020 theme “Spotlight RI: Performing Arts in Rhode Island,” the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) launched a conservation of this spectacular 19th-century theatrical drop-scene, a Providence panorama. Fabricated from ten linen panels, and measuring 15 x 24 feet overall, this curtain was originally installed as a backdrop for stage scenery in the first theater in Providence. (Being the first and only theater in town, it was called “Theatre.” Naming rights was a concept a few centuries in the future.)
Painted in 1810 by John Worrall — a scenery painter and pantomime dancer — the society purchased it in 1833 when the theater closed. They have owned it ever since.
The team brought in to conserve and stabilize the drop-scene, Curtains Without Borders, specializes in the conservation of historic painted theater scenery. From ‘The Times of the Rhode Island Historical Society’:
Their team of three conservators removed 30 years of dust and applied judicious in-painting until they felt there was an overall improvement that was not intrusive to the eye. They concentrated on the vertical seams and long diagonal scratches, with some clarification of the lower steps and balcony to improve the view of the cityscape.
The panorama is described as a view of Providence as it was in 1808 “from the vantage point of the old fort on Federal Hill.” No one yesterday had any clue what or where this old fort might have been, and the balcony and steps were probably just an artistic framing device. Fun fact: There is another painting, a snow-covered mountainscape, on the reverse side. Artist unknown.
A public viewing was held yesterday where Director of Advancement, Elizabeth Wood, answered questions (ProJo 11.13.19). Going forward, the curtain will be made available for viewing by appointment only. Aldrich House is not a museum quite like their other properties — it houses the RIHS headquarters — but they do hold public events throughout the year, including an annual open house in December. And the site is available for events. The scenic curtain hangs in the ballroom, underneath a protective curtain. Call 401.331.8575.
I can’t wait to see what else they dig up for the “Performing Arts” theme in the new year.
[Additional note: David Brussat brings years of covering Providence’s architectural history to his report at Architecture Here and There.]
Aldrich House, Rhode Island Historical Society, 110 Benevolent Street, (directions)