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Preserved!
Painting before and after conservation John Parker Hale (1806-1873)
Unidentified artist
c. 1852
Oil on canvas
Gift of Robert W. Upton
1963.14
The popular phrase “nothing lasts forever” tells us that, as time goes by all things change. With the passage
of time, exposure to variable light, heat, changing humidity, poor storage, and rough handling can damage
objects. We see damage environmental conditions cause to objects when, for example, they are covered with
dust, yellow, and crackled. Part of the solution to preserving objects for future generations is providing a
stable environment for them. In the case of some objects that have deteriorated, we must try to restore some
of the loss or at least halt decay by having them conserved.
New Hampshire Historical Society’s painting collection was recently surveyed and a prioritized list of portraits
and landscape paintings needing conservation treatment was developed. One high priority painting from the New
Hampshire Historical Society’s portrait collection is presented here. This portrait of John Parker Hale
was recently cleaned, stabilized, and preserved by the Williamstown Art Conservation Center with monies from
the New Hampshire Historical Society’s Katharine Prentis Murphy Fund. This is one of the ways the Society
is working to preserve New Hampshire material history for future generations.
Attorney, politician, and orator, John Parker Hale (1806-1873) of Dover, became an icon in New Hampshire during
the second half of the 19th century because of his struggle to preserve freedom and liberty in America.
Hale achieved national prominence during the 1840s as an eloquent voice opposing the extension of slavery in
United States territories, while serving in the U. S. House of Representatives and Senate. Although morally
opposed to slavery, he argued against it on the conservative Constitutional grounds of preserving the civil
liberties and property rights of American free men. In 1852, Hale received the Free Democrats’ nomination for
President of the United States. A third party candidate, he received 156,667 votes, approximately 5 per
cent, running well behind the winner, fellow New Hampshire Democrat, Franklin Pierce. Hale went on
to become a leader of the Republican Party during the American Civil War and U. S. Minister to Spain.
Conservation last year of a portrait of John Parker Hale donated to the New Hampshire Historical Society in 1963
by Senator Robert W. Upton has made this important New Hampshire history object exhibitable for the first time in
more than forty years. Identified by Society staff as a priority, this little known portrait of the 19th
century anti-slavery advocate received a detailed examination by the Williamstown Art Conservation Center during a
recent survey of paintings in the Society’s collection. This revealed that the painting had been cut
down and placed on a new stretcher and frame around the turn of the century.
Seriously lifting paint was consolidated, old tears and puncture holes secured, and the painting was placed on
a new lining canvas. It was then re-stretched onto a new stretcher and sized to accommodate the expanded original
design dimensions. More than one hundred hours of cautious and time consuming cleaning has made this
treasure exhibitable.
In celebration of Black History Month, the portrait was on view at the Society's Museum of New Hampshire History
through March 18, 2007.
Plan Your Visit Today
The Museum of New Hampshire History is open Tuesday through
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. The museum is also open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from
July 1 through October 15, and in the month of December.
Admission is $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $3 for children
6-18, with a family maximum of $17. Children under 6 and members of the New Hampshire Historical Society are admitted
free.
Guided and self-guided group tours are available by advance
reservation. The adult group rate for guided tours is $4.50 per person for groups of 15 or more. The adult group
rate for self-guided tours is $3.50 per person for groups of 12 or more.
Guided school and youth tours also are available. Visit our
school programs page for details on our varied programs. For
more information, and to arrange your visit, contact Education Services Coordinator Chris MacLeod at 603/856-0604
or cmacleod@nhhistory.org.
Directions
The Museum of New Hampshire History is located at 6 Eagle Square
in downtown Concord, NH. Telephone: 603/228-6688
Take Interstate 93 to Exit 14. Northbound -- turn left at the
light at the end of the exit ramp; Southbound -- turn right at the light at the end of the exit ramp. Stay in the
right lane. At North Main Street turn right. Take the next right onto Storrs Street. Pass under a bridge and overhead
parking garage; the museum parking lot entrance is on the left just as you begin to emerge from under the overhead
parking garage. At the parking lot entrance gate, take a ticket to open the lot gate. After parking, cross Storrs
Street to the museum entrance. The museum is a four-story granite building.
Parking is free for museum visitors. Bring your parking lot
ticket to redeem for an exit token at the museum reception desks.
Who Are We?
Founded in 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is an
independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and sharing New Hampshire history. The Society serves thousands
of children and adults each year through its Museum of New Hampshire History, research library, educational programs,
and award-winning publications.
Join Us!
The New Hampshire Historical Society is not a state-funded agency.
All of the Society's programs and services are made possible by dues and contributions from individuals, foundations,
and businesses. Free admission to Museum of New Hampshire History and free use of library research resources are
two of the many benefits of membership in the New Hampshire Historical Society. You are invited to join today!
Call the membership department at 603/856-0621 or use our convenient and secure online
membership form.
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