Archives Scrapbooks

The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Boston Globe dated January 27, 1992. The headline reads "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town." The article, written by Robert Taylor, is part of the "Lives in the Arts" section.

The article discusses Al Lank, an artist and art handler, who is known for his meticulous approach to packing and transporting art. Lank is described as having a unique stance on art, focusing on the physical aspects rather than the intellectual or creative ones. He runs an art handling and transportation business from his basement workshop, known as the Lair Guild of Boston Artists.

Lank's expertise in handling fragile artworks is highlighted, including his innovative methods for packing and transporting large and delicate pieces. The article mentions his experience with various artworks, such as a Frederic Remington sculpture and a painting by Stephen Paine. Lank's attention to detail and his use of unconventional materials, like peanuts for padding, are also noted.

The article includes a photograph of Al Lank packing a painting into a shipping crate. The image shows Lank carefully handling the artwork, emphasizing his precision and care.

Additionally, there is a smaller article at the bottom of the page titled "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum," which discusses efforts to raise funds for a new art museum.

Overall, the image captures a detailed profile of Al Lank, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the art handling industry.

Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town

LIVES IN THE ARTS

By Robert Taylor, Globe Staff

Elsworth, F. Al Lank has a hangup about the arts. He doesn't want to see them ruined. He doesn't want to see the art market, but if you want to move an object or create it, or set it up, he's your man. He's a packer, a craftsperson.

Al Lank is a packer. He is the president of the Packing Guild of Boston Artists on Newbury Street. He has solved some of the most delicate problems in which the art world is involved. He can make a factor. He can make himself an art object. He can make an art object into a fine but true.

He knows the difference between a Giotto and a Grecian urn, and he knows how to pack it. He is a master of the art of packing - one of the three or four surviving works in the US by the 17th-century Dutch master.

Lank, 52, is a tall, thin man with a mustache and a quiet, unassuming manner. He is a self-taught expert in the field of art packing. He has handled everything from a $20 million Rembrandt to a $100,000 Picasso, and he has seen it all. He has worked for the Boston Athenaeum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Library, and the Boston University.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken. He can take a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

Art handler Al Lank packs a painting into its shipping crate.

The Texas millionaire, and has often shipped an electric car belonging to collector Stephen Paine.

Lank, who has a warehouse in South Boston, is a man who has seen it all. He has packed and shipped everything from a 16th-century Italian masterpiece to a $100,000 Picasso.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

He is a man who can take a painting - a 16th-century Italian masterpiece, perhaps - and pack it so that it will not be damaged. He can take a sculpture - a fragile, delicate piece - and pack it so that it will not be broken.

Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum

The Harvard Vanguard Committee to the Art Museum received last Saturday a gift of $3 million from an anonymous donor to help build the new museum, it was announced yesterday by the museum's director, James C. van der Poel.

The gift, which is the largest single contribution ever received by the museum, will be used to support the operating needs of the museum.

In speaking to representatives of the museum, van der Poel said that the new building, which is to be built on the quadrangle, will be a major addition to the museum's facilities. He said that the new building will provide much-needed space for the museum's collections, which have outgrown the present building.

The new building, which is to be built on the quadrangle, will be a major addition to the museum's facilities. He said that the new building will provide much-needed space for the museum's collections, which have outgrown the present building.

The new building, which is to be built on the quadrangle, will be a major addition to the museum's facilities. He said that the new building will provide much-needed space for the museum's collections, which have outgrown the present building.

The image is a page from a Boston Globe newspaper dated January 27, 1982. The main article, titled "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town," focuses on Al Lank, a renowned artist who works in the Boston area. The article discusses his career, the challenges he faced, and the distinctive characteristics of his work.

Here's a detailed summary of the content:

1. Main Article: Al Lank's Career and Artistic Style

   • Introduction to Al Lank: The article begins by describing Al Lank's background and his unique approach to art. It highlights his meticulous and selective nature, often choosing to work on only a few pieces at a time.
   • Workshop and Process: It mentions his workshop in a basement in Newbury Street, where he works on his pieces, including a notable painting that was placed on the floor of the Boston Public Library.
   • Art Handling: Al Lank's careful handling of his art is noted, especially in transporting fragile works like his famous 1964 painting "The Faces of Freedom," which he carefully packed in a crate and shipped.
   • Surviving Works: The piece highlights that he has survived several disasters, including the Boston traffic accident that nearly destroyed his car and some of his works.
   • Personal and Artistic Quirks: It touches on Al Lank's quirks, such as his tendency to avoid the traditional art market and his preference for working on a small number of pieces, often with detailed craftsmanship.

2. Side Article: Committee Seeks Funds for New Art Museum

   • Committee and Fundraising: This article discusses the efforts of the Art Museum Committee to raise funds for a new Art Museum in Boston. It mentions that the committee is working with the Boston Art Association and the Boston Art Museum to secure the necessary funds.
   • Fundraising Goals: The article notes the need for significant funds, emphasizing the importance of the new museum's potential impact on the cultural life of the city.

The images within the article include a photo of Al Lank packing his artwork and a few other contextual photos that support the narrative of his artistic process and dedication.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Boston Globe dated January 27, 1982. The article is titled "Al Link is the pickiest packer in town," written by Robert Taylor. It features a profile of Al Link, an art handler and packer who is known for his meticulous work in preparing art for transport and storage.

Key points from the article include:

1. Art Handling Career: Al Link has been in the art handling business for over 30 years. He specializes in ensuring the safe transport and storage of artworks, particularly those of high value and significance.

2. Career Beginnings: Link started as a carpenter and later moved into art handling, inspired by his experience with the installation and transport of art pieces for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other institutions.

3. Technical Expertise: He is known for his detailed and careful approach to packing, often using custom crates to ensure that art pieces are protected during transit. The article mentions his work with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where he was involved in the handling of a significant art collection.

4. Notable Projects: The article highlights his work on various projects, including the handling of the famous "Impressionist" artworks and his involvement with the installation and preservation of artworks at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

5. Personal Touch: The piece also touches on his personal life, including his marriage to a Swedish woman and his experiences with the moving and handling of artworks in different settings.

6. Art Handling Process: Link's process includes designing custom crates, using specialized materials, and ensuring the stability of artworks during transport. He is noted for his meticulous attention to detail, which helps prevent damage to the art.

The article also includes a smaller news item titled "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum," mentioning a fundraising effort by the Harvard Visiting Committee to support the construction of a new art museum facility.

The clipping provides a detailed look into the world of art handling and the crucial role that individuals like Al Link play in preserving and protecting artworks.

The image is a page from the Boston Globe, dated January 27, 1982. The main article is titled "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town" and is written by Robert Taylor. The article discusses artist Al Lank, who is known for his meticulous approach to art and his craftsmanship.

Key points from the article include:

1. Al Lank's Artistic Hang-ups:

   • Al Lank is described as having hang-ups about art but not wanting to move an object or create a new piece for the sake of it.
   • He prefers to work in his basement workshop, which is part of the Guild of Boston Artists on Newbury Street.

2. Lank's Artistic Process:

   • Lank has a preference for pieces that are in good condition and does not want to alter them.
   • He has a collection of over 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, and is selective about which ones he chooses to work with.

3. Art Handling:

   • The article mentions Lank's careful handling of artworks, such as the Texas millionaire's electric car, which he packed into a shipping crate for a collector.
   • He is noted for his precision and care, even down to the smallest details like packing a trailer with bags of peanuts to prevent swaying.

4. Personal Anecdotes:

   • The article shares personal stories, such as Lank's handling of a fragile painting of a Confederate soldier and his meticulous packing of a watercolor of a Boston harbor scene.
   • It also touches on Lank's personal life, including his late wife, Ripley, and his craftsmanship influenced by his grandmother.

5. Artistic Values:

   • Lank values the art and the materials used in it, ensuring they are handled with respect and care.
   • He is known for his perfectionism and dedication to preserving the integrity of the artworks he handles.

The article also includes a smaller piece titled "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum," which discusses the need for funds to construct a new museum in the Fenway area of Boston. The committee is seeking $10 million for the project.

The overall tone of the article is appreciative and detailed, highlighting Lank's dedication to his craft and his meticulous nature in handling artworks.

The image is a newspaper spread featuring articles from the Boston Globe, dated January 27, 1982. The main headline article, titled "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town," is written by Robert Taylor, a Globe Staff member.

Main Article: "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town"

Summary:
Al Lank is a meticulous art handler who works for the Guild of Boston Artists. He is responsible for packing artworks securely for transportation. The article describes Lank's dedication and precision when handling valuable pieces of art.

Key Points:

1. Lank's Background and Work:

   • Lank has been working in the art handling business for some time.
   • He has an impressive ability to notice minute details in artworks, such as spotting differences between prints that appear identical to others.

2. Incident with a Painting:

   • A notable event involved a painting by Diego San Gio, which Lank refused to ship due to its unsafe packaging. The painting was not securely protected, leading Lank to intervene.

3. Handling and Packing Process:

   • Lank's method involves ensuring that the art is properly wrapped, cushioned, and placed in custom-made crates.
   • He once had to handle a large, heavy painting by A. Lassell Ripley, which involved taking the piece apart due to its size and weight.

4. Attention to Detail:

   • Lank's thoroughness is highlighted by an incident where he noticed a piece of lint on a valuable painting, preventing potential damage.

5. Personal Anecdotes:

   • Lank's deep involvement in the art world and his personal experiences, including his humorous interaction with artist Morgan Bulkeley, are mentioned.
   • He has a strong sense of responsibility and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that each piece of art he handles is treated with utmost care.

Other Articles and Sections:

1. "Lives in the Arts" Column:

   • The article falls under the "Lives in the Arts" column, which profiles individuals connected to the arts community.

2. "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum":

   • This article discusses the financial needs of a local art museum, highlighting efforts to secure funding to support its operations and expansion.

Overall, the image captures a detailed look into the careful and precise world of art handling, focusing on Al Lank's dedication and expertise in ensuring the safety and integrity of valuable artworks.

The image shows a page from a newspaper or magazine. The headline at the top of the page reads "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town," followed by "LIVES IN THE ARTS" in bold letters and the subtitle "by Robert Taylor." There is a photograph accompanying the article showing a person (Al Lank), apparently at work, handling a large painting while wearing white gloves.

The page's layout is a typical newspaper column format, with several columns of text divided by narrow gaps. The font is small and dense, typical of newspaper print. To the right of the article, partly visible, is another heading with the letters "AMF" visible, but the rest of this section is cut off by the edge of the image.

The left side of the image shows the edge of the newspaper, with a visible crease where the page seems to be folded, and the tops of other articles or sections are slightly visible but mostly cut off. At the bottom left corner, there is a handwritten note that reads "Gazette 3-5-82 B."

The timestamp, "JAN 27 1982," indicates when the newspaper article was published. The publication's header indicates it's from the "BOSTON GLOBE, BOSTON, MA."

The image shows a scrapbook page containing two newspaper clippings. The larger clipping is an article titled "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town," dated January 27, 1982, from the Boston Globe. The article discusses Ellsworth F. (Al) Lank, an art handler known for his meticulous packing and handling of artworks. There is a black-and-white photo accompanying the article showing Al Lank packing a painting into its shipping crate.

The smaller clipping below, titled "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum," is dated 2/26/82 in handwriting on the margin. This article reports on efforts by the Harvard Art Museum Visitors Committee to raise money to complete construction needed to house the Harvard Art Museums and maintain operations.

The scrapbook page is yellowed, indicating age, and the clippings are taped or glued onto the page. The page appears to be part of a larger collection or album.

The image shows an open book with two pages. The left page has a headline that reads "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town" and an article about Al Lank, an art handler. The right page has a headline that reads "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum." The pages have a yellow background and are slightly blurry. The image is in black and white.

The image shows an open book with two visible pages, featuring an article titled "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town" from the Boston Globe, dated January 27, 1982. The article is written by Robert Taylor and is categorized under "LIVES IN THE ARTS".

Left Page (Page 1):

• Headline: "Al Lank is the pickiest packer in town"
• Subheading: "LIVES IN THE ARTS"
• Byline: By Robert Taylor, Globe Staff
• Content: The article discusses Al Lank, an artist and art handler known for his meticulous approach to handling art. It highlights his career, including his work as an art handler, his involvement in transporting valuable artworks, and his unique methods. The text mentions Lank's role in moving large sculptures, his attention to detail, and his reputation as a "pickiest packer."
• Visual Element: There is a black-and-white photograph placed within the text. The photo shows Al Lank handling a painting, packing it into a shipping crate. The image captures Lank in action, emphasizing his hands-on approach to art handling.

Right Page (Page 2):

• Continuation of the Article: The text continues from the left page, elaborating further on Lank's career, his methods, and anecdotes about his work. It includes details about his early life, his move to Boston, and his involvement in transporting art for major institutions.
• Visual Element: At the bottom of the right page, there is a small text box or advertisement titled "Committee Seeks Funds Needed for New Art Museum." This box appears to be a separate piece of content, likely an announcement or call to action related to a new art museum project. It includes details about the museum's goals, fundraising efforts, and contact information.

General Observations:

• Layout: The article is formatted in a typical newspaper or magazine style, with justified text and a clear hierarchy of headings and subheadings.
• Photograph: The photograph on the left page is central to the article's narrative, illustrating Lank's hands-on work and reinforcing the theme of meticulous art handling.
• Additional Content: The right page includes a small, distinct section that seems unrelated to the main article, possibly an advertisement or announcement about a new art museum.

Overall, the image depicts a well-structured article that combines narrative storytelling with visual documentation, focusing on the unique career and methods of Al Lank, an art handler.