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Council approves $70,780 to restore historic painting and frame after higher-than-expected quotes
Summary
The Blaine City Council voted to fund full conservation of a circa-1895 painting and its original frame, approving an amended motion for $70,780 after the historical society reported restoration estimates higher than earlier guidance.
The Blaine City Council voted April 27 to fund full restoration of a historic painting and its original frame after the Galena Jones Davis County Historical Society reported higher-than-expected conservation estimates. The council approved an amended motion setting the restoration budget at $70,780.
The request was introduced after Tessa Flock of the historical society told the council professionals believe the frame and painting were constructed as a single piece and likely date to about 1895. "They do believe that the frame and the painting came as one piece," Flock said, adding that conservators had dated the work to the late 19th century and that the society had spent roughly $25,000 on removal and transportation. She urged the council to fund conservation of both the painting and the frame rather than piecemeal repairs.
Council discussion noted earlier expectations for a lower cost and the society’s ongoing efforts to secure grants and other fundraising. The historical society reported quotes that included painting and frame work totaling as high as roughly $76,000; Flock said the group has signed an estimate with a conservation consultant and is pursuing grants and donations to offset the city’s expense.
Roger (council member) who moved the funding suggested the society place a donation box at the display and ask regional tourism organizations for support to help recoup costs. Council members debated timing and budgeting; one member said it would have been preferable to include the restoration in the recently approved budget but agreed the work should not be split up and repeated.
Council amended the motion to specify $70,780 for the restoration and, after roll-call voting, carried the amended motion. The motion requires the historical society to proceed with the conservation work and the council encouraged outreach for outside contributions to offset the expense.
Next steps: the historical society indicated it will host a public program (via Zoom and open to the public) to discuss the restoration process and to solicit community input and donations. The council’s vote authorizes staff to allocate the approved amount to complete the conservation as described.
