Paul Gould and Maryanne O’Dell with the portraits of David Sands and Catherine Sands Ring, which Mr. Gould will restore.
The Sands Ring Homestead has had a few visitors while it’s been closed. A representative of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) came to assess the damage. The county historian visited on Memorial Day one year. They both recommended removing the portraits before they were damaged by the lack of heat.
Taking their advice, Town Historian Maryanne O’Dell put the two paintings in her office on the top floor of Town Hall. Then she called Paul Gould for help.
The portraits had survived the dampness and changes in temperature. But both were showing signs of age. The backgrounds were specked with pock marks.
Mr. Gould surveyed the damage and then offered to restore the paintings without charge. “It can be my contribution to this community treasure [the Sands Ring Homestead],” he told Mrs. O’Dell.
He said that the portraits of David Sands and his daughter, Catherine Sands Ring, were professionally done. The frames are good and, outside of the obvious defects, the pictures are in satisfactory condition. Mr. Gould will restore them by patching the damaged areas and then filling the gaps with matching colors.
The artist T. Quidor signed the back of the David Sands portrait after completing it on July 15, 1824. Underneath the artist’s signature is a statement that J.T. Flaherty conserved (or restored) the portrait in 1887.
The other work of art is newer. There’s no date on it. And the name of the creator isn’t legible. There’s no evidence of any repairs or restoration.
When asked what the paintings might be worth, Mr. Gould offered an opinion rather than an estimate. “To the community they’re priceless,” he said.
NOTE: Supervisor Richard Randazzo asked Mr. Gould how long the job might take. The estimate was three to four weeks. Of course, it may take some time until Mr. Gould can get started.
