Newly Conserved Artwork Returns
Through the generosity of several of our longtime supporters, we were excited to complete several conservation treatments of artwork from our holdings. One of these was an original W.T. Benda illustration for Willa Cather’s novel My Ántonia, lovingly presented to a friend. The inscription, which reads “A Benda original, with best wishes for a Merry Christmas! Willa” had been cut off and pasted to the back of the frame which held the drawing itself.
At the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, paper conservator Hilary LeFevere cleaned and repaired damage to the paper surface itself before mounting the illustration and inscription in a new mat for storage and display. The National Willa Cather Center is home to six of the eight original Benda illustrations, several of which have undergone similar cleanings.
From the J. L. Miner house, several works of art original to the family were also in need of conservation. A painting by Carrie Miner Sherwood and another, credited to both Julia Miner and Retta Ayre Miner, had long graced the front parlor of the home; a girl blowing bubbles, sketched by “M. Miner,” overlooked the dining room. Along with the handpainted china and the handmade lace and hardanger on display, these paintings and sketches helped visitors understand the culture and beauty that accompanied the Miner family to the little frontier town of Red Cloud.
After years on display, the pieces had begun to darken and show early signs of environmental damage. At the Ford Center, pieces were removed from their frames and cleaned. Small repairs were made to damaged paint and paper, and pieces were stabilized for long-term conservation. Our continued thanks to John and Amy Dempsey, Bridgett Susie Sisson, Melissa J. Homestead, and Dr. Mary Ruth Ryder, whose support helped us to undertake these projects.
If you have an item or papers related to Willa Cather, her family and friends, or her writing that you wish to donate, please contact Tracy Tucker, Education Director & Archivist, at ttucker@willacather.org or (402) 746-2653.