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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, May 1947-February 1950

ARCH.2003.30, Rendition: 802590

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The image appears to be a scanned page from a newspaper that discusses the relocation and return of Harvard University's art treasures during and after the war. The text is from the "Worcester Evening Gazette" dated May 19, 1947.

The content of the page highlights the following key points:

  1. Relocation of Art Treasures: During the war, Harvard's famous art treasures, including works by Whistler, Gainsborough, and Copley, were hidden in the 2,287-acre Harvard Forest at Petersham due to the threat of enemy bombing. The article notes that these treasures were moved back to their original home in Cambridge after the war.

  2. Details of the Relocation: The art works were carefully transported and stored in the Petersham forest, which was identified as an inactive school of silviculture. The article describes the meticulous procedures and precautions taken to ensure the safety of the artworks during the war, including bi-weekly inspections and air-conditioning systems in the storage facilities.

  3. Returning the Artworks: The article mentions that by May 1947, the artworks had been returned to the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard's main art collection. It highlights the significant cultural and historical value of the art works, including rare works by artists such as Simone Martini and Giotto, among others.

  4. Additional Information: The page also includes two Boston News Clip inserts, dated May 20 and May 21, 1947, which provide additional details about the return of Harvard's prize art and other art-related news.

The overall context suggests that this newspaper article is part of a broader discussion on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage during times of conflict.

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This image shows a collection of newspaper clippings from May 1947, discussing the return of Harvard's art treasures from their wartime hiding place in the Petersham Forest. The main headline reads, "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned," written by W. M. Homer, Jr. The article details how Harvard's famous art treasures, including Whistlers, Gainsboroughs, and Copleys, were moved to Petersham for safekeeping during World War II and are now back at the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge.

The article describes the meticulous care taken to protect the artworks, including bi-weekly inspections, air-conditioning systems, and security measures. It also mentions the involvement of museum officials and conservators in ensuring the safekeeping of the art pieces.

Additionally, there are two smaller clippings from the Boston News Clip, one from the Register in New Haven, Conn., and the other from the Argus in Montpelier, Vt., both dated May 20 and May 21, 1947, respectively. These clippings provide further details about the return of the art treasures to Harvard.

The clippings are pasted on a brown paper background, and the text is printed in black ink on white paper. The overall condition of the clippings shows signs of age, with some edges appearing worn and slightly torn.

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The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 19, 1947. The headline reads "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions in Art Treasures" and "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned." The article discusses the return of Harvard University's art collection to Cambridge after being hidden in the Petersham Forest during World War II for protection from enemy bombs. It mentions the meticulous efforts taken to preserve the artworks, including the use of a calcium chloride system to prevent humidity and temperature issues. The article also highlights the challenges faced during the relocation process and the eventual safe return of the treasures.

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The image shows a piece of paper with various articles, newspaper clippings, and text printed on it. The paper appears to be old and worn, with some parts torn or damaged. The articles are about art treasures, including paintings, drawings, and prints, that were hidden during World War II to protect them from enemy bombs. The articles mention specific pieces of art, such as the Cross by Simone Martini and the Crucifixion of Giotto, and discuss the efforts to safeguard these treasures. The paper also includes a section titled "Boston News Clip" with additional information about the art treasures and their return to Harvard.

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The image is a scanned newspaper clipping from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 19, 1947, featuring two main articles. The layout and design are typical of mid-20th-century newspapers, with a mix of headlines, subheadings, and columns of text. Here’s a detailed description:

Header Information:

  • Newspaper Name: Worcester Evening Gazette
  • Location: Worcester, Mass.
  • Date: May 19, 1947
  • Page Number: Page 1947 (likely a reference to the page number within the newspaper).

Main Articles:

Left Column:

  • Headline: "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures"
    • This article discusses the discovery of valuable art treasures hidden in the Petersham Forest in Massachusetts during World War II. Key points include:
      • Context: The treasures were concealed by Harvard University during the war to protect them from potential damage or theft.
      • Details: The treasures include paintings, drawings, prints, and other artworks, valued at millions of dollars.
      • Discovery: The art was found in 1942 and remained hidden until recently.
      • Value: The article mentions that some pieces were worth up to $60,000, with the most valuable items estimated to be worth $100,000 or more.
      • Ownership: The treasures were part of Harvard's collection and were stored in waterproof, humidity-controlled conditions to preserve them.
      • Return: The art was returned to Harvard after the war.

Right Column:

  • Headline: "Harvard’s Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned"
    • This article elaborates on the same event, providing additional context and details:
      • Protection During War: During World War II, Harvard moved its valuable art collection to the Petersham Forest to protect it from potential damage or theft.
      • Storage Conditions: The art was stored in a specially designed building with waterproofing, humidity control, and other protective measures.
      • Return: The treasures were returned to Harvard after the war, and the article highlights the successful preservation of the artworks.
      • Artworks Mentioned: The article references specific pieces, including works by famous artists such as John Singer Sargent and others.
      • Value: The total value of the returned art is estimated at millions of dollars.

Additional Elements:

  • Subheadings and Text: Both articles contain detailed subheadings and paragraphs that provide context, quotes, and further explanations about the discovery, storage, and return of the art treasures.
  • Visual Layout: The text is arranged in narrow columns, typical of newspaper formatting from the era. The headlines are bold and prominent, drawing attention to the main stories.
  • Footer Information: At the bottom of the image, there are smaller text boxes labeled "BOSTON NEWS CLIP" with addresses and dates:
    • Boston News Clip: 120 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass., dated May 20, 1947.
    • Argus: 120 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass., dated May 21, 1947.
    • These likely indicate that the clipping was part of a news archive or collection.

Visual Condition:

  • The image appears to be a scanned or photographed copy of the original newspaper page. There are some signs of aging, such as slight discoloration and minor creases, but the text remains legible.

Overall Theme:

The image captures a historical moment during and after World War II, highlighting the efforts made by institutions like Harvard University to protect cultural treasures during times of conflict. The articles emphasize the value, preservation, and successful return of these artworks.

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The image presents a scanned newspaper clipping from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 10, 1947. The clipping is divided into two columns, with the left column featuring a headline that reads "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures." The article discusses the discovery of hidden art treasures in Petersham Forest, including works by famous artists such as Whistler and Gainsborough.

  • Headline and Article
    • The headline "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures" is prominently displayed at the top of the left column.
    • The article provides details about the discovery of the art treasures, including the location and the types of artwork found.
  • Boston News Clippings
    • Two Boston news clippings are included at the bottom of the image, one from the Boston News Clip and another from the Boston News Clip.
    • These clippings provide additional information about the discovery of the art treasures and their significance.
  • Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned
    • The headline "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned" is displayed at the top of the right column.
    • The article discusses the history of the art treasures and their return to Harvard University.
  • Additional Information
    • The image also includes a small note at the top that reads "Gazette Worcester, Mass. May 10, 1947."
    • The background of the image is a light gray color, which helps to highlight the details of the newspaper clipping.

In summary, the image presents a scanned newspaper clipping from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 10, 1947. The clipping includes articles about the discovery of hidden art treasures in Petersham Forest and their return to Harvard University. The image provides a unique glimpse into the history of art and its preservation during times of war.

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The image depicts a collection of newspaper clippings from 1947, featuring articles about Harvard University's art treasures being hidden in the Petersham Forest during World War II and their subsequent return. The clippings are arranged on a piece of aged paper with a light-brown color and torn edges, giving them an antique appearance.

Newspaper Clippings:

  • Worcester Evening Gazette: "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures" (May 19, 1947)
  • Boston News Clip: "Harvard's Prize Art Brought From Hiding" (May 20, 1947)
  • Boston News Clip: "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned" (May 21, 1947)

These clippings provide a glimpse into the history of Harvard University's art collection during World War II, highlighting the efforts taken to protect these valuable treasures and their eventual return after the war.

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The image depicts a yellowed newspaper clipping, torn and worn, with the headline "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned" prominently displayed. The article is accompanied by a subheading that reads "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures." The clipping appears to be from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 10, 1947.

Key Features:

  • Newspaper Clipping: The image shows a yellowed newspaper clipping, indicating age and wear.
  • Headline: The main headline reads "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned."
  • Subheading: The subheading states "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures."
  • Date and Source: The clipping is from the Worcester Evening Gazette, dated May 10, 1947.
  • Condition: The clipping is torn and worn, suggesting it has been handled extensively or stored improperly.
  • Additional Clippings: Two smaller clippings are attached to the bottom right of the main clipping, both labeled "Boston News Clip" and dated May 20, 1947, and May 31, 1947, respectively.

Content:

The article discusses the return of Harvard's art treasures from Petersham Forest, where they were stored during World War II. The treasures include paintings, prints, and other artworks that were moved to the forest for safekeeping. The article highlights the challenges faced in storing and preserving these valuable items and the efforts made to return them to their original locations.

Overall:

The image provides a glimpse into the history of Harvard's art collection and its preservation during times of conflict. The worn and torn condition of the clipping suggests that it has been handled and stored for an extended period, adding to its historical significance.

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The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping, yellowed with age and featuring a torn and worn appearance. The clipping is divided into two main sections, each with its own headline.

Left Section:
The left section is titled "Worcester Evening Gazette" and subtitled "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures." This article discusses the return of Harvard's art treasures from Petersham Forest, where they were hidden during World War II.

Right Section:
The right section is titled "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned." This article provides additional details about the relocation of Harvard's art collection to Petersham Forest during the war and its subsequent return.

Additional Clippings:
At the bottom of the page, two smaller clippings are visible:

  • A "Boston News Clip" from May 20, 1947, titled "Harvard's Prize Art Brought From Hiding."
  • Another "Boston News Clip" from May 21, 1947, titled "Famous Art Returned to Harvard."

Background:
The newspaper clipping is set against a plain gray background, which helps to highlight the aged appearance of the paper.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the history of Harvard's art collection and its preservation during World War II.

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The image shows a collection of newspaper clippings from 1947, primarily from the Worcester Evening Gazette and the Boston News. The clippings discuss the return of Harvard University's art treasures, which were hidden in the Petersham forest during World War II for safekeeping.

  1. Worcester Evening Gazette (May 9, 1947)

    • Headline: "Petersham Forest Disgorges Millions In Art Treasures"
    • Content: This article describes the retrieval of Harvard's art treasures from their wartime hiding place in the Petersham forest. The treasures, including paintings, tapestries, and other valuable artworks, were stored in a specially built vault in the forest to protect them from potential wartime threats. The article mentions the efforts of Edward W. Forbes, director of the Fogg Art Museum, in overseeing the safekeeping and retrieval of these artworks.
  2. Worcester Evening Gazette (May 23, 1947)

    • Headline: "Harvard's Art Treasure Took to Woods At Petersham During War, Now Returned"
    • Content: This article provides more details about the storage and retrieval process of Harvard's art treasures. It discusses the precautions taken to protect the artworks from humidity and temperature changes, as well as the efforts to ensure their safety during the war. The article also mentions the involvement of various individuals and organizations in the retrieval process.
  3. Boston News Clip (May 20, 1947)

    • Headline: "Harvard's Prize Art Brought From Hiding"
    • Content: This short article from the Boston News reports on the return of Harvard's art treasures from their wartime hiding place. It highlights the significance of the artworks and the measures taken to protect them.
  4. Boston News Clip (May 21, 1947)

    • Headline: "Famous Art Returned to Harvard"
    • Content: This article from the Boston News provides additional details about the return of the art treasures to Harvard. It mentions the involvement of the Fogg Art Museum and the significance of the artworks to the university.

Overall, the clippings highlight the efforts taken to protect valuable artworks during World War II and the successful retrieval and return of these treasures to Harvard University.