Stanbridge East
Restored portraits by artist Charles Wyatt Eaton will be on display in "Our Treasures"
"We applied in 1994 the Centre de conservation du Québec in Québec city and our application was accepted in 1997," explained Darch, noting that the competition for governmental restoration grants is fierce. The restored portraits were then professionally re-framed by the Gemst Gallery of Montreal, the cost of which was covered under the grant.
Darch said that Eaton, a native of Philipsburg, is commonly regarded as a U.S. painter because he spent most of his short career painting in New York. Eaton studied painting in New York and Paris and was known to have studied under such luminaries as Whistler. Although he also painted landscapes, he is known primarily for his portraits and was said to have maintained a studio at his parents' home in Philipsburg. Among his extant works are portraits of prominent Montrealers, including Sir William and Lady Van Horne. After his death in New York at age 48, Eaton's body was returned to Philipsburg for burial.
(Heather Darch and portrait of Mrs. Harriet Kay)
"The portraits of Willam Kay and wife Harriet were painted in 1877," explained Darch. "Kay was a well-to-do Philipsburg farmer whose son, William Kay Jr. became a Member of Parliament. The family later moved to London, England where William (Sr.) died. After his death, Harriet moved back to Québec, but to Montreal."
The portraits may be seen as part of "Our Treasures" which opens at the Missisquoi Museum on May 30.
© Caroline Kehne, April, 1999
photos by Caroline,
A Contribution to Sunnymead Village Magazine: SunnyZine
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