My apologies to those who have seen this:
Tues. night the Library Trustees voted to remove the two rare Nutting
books from auction. However, that still leaves the almost 2000
colored slides, Nutting's master book listing all his prints, and dozens
of prints, black and white and hand-colored, including many Framingham
scenes. Also Nutting's own magic lantern projector lens and
stereoptic curtain for projecting his slides during his popular talks on
gardens, history, and antiques.
So, The Framingham Historical Society is going to bid on the items on
Friday. The new director has asked me to put out a pledge appeal
for donations to use to bring our history home. He has about $
10,000 allocated from the Society and perhaps $ 5000 more. However, he
needs a cushion in order to be able to be a successful bidder against
Wallace Nutting fans and institutions and speculators who might
compete. The son of one of the colorists who worked for Nutting
donated a significant amount. They have had some $ 100
pledges. Anything is welcome! These lots could go for $ 20 -
$ 30,000.
To make a pledge, please call the Framingham Historical Society at
(508)872-3780
leave your name and telephone # & if you feel comfortable, the amount
of your pledge. They have an answering machine and messages will be
picked up early in the morning.
While the Historical Society has received a number of pledges today,
they could still use more. Something to note is that a 17.5%
buyer's premium is added to the hammer price at Skinner's. So, if
anyone has a winning bid of $ 10,000, he/she has to pay and additional $
1750 on top of that. This shrinks the actual buying power of the
Historical Society. So, for anyone who is on the fence and thinks
the Society may have enough to work with, please reconsider and make a
pledge: $5, $ 10, $ 20, all will help. It's better they have
a cushion than lose for want of a few hundred $$. The number again
is: 508-872-3780.
Thank you!
