-The first photo, taken in 1913, shows the third floor West Gallery of the Worcester Art Museum during a special exhibition. Joseph De Camp's "Sally", painted six years earlier in 1907, can be seen just to the left of center. Today, this space houses the Art Since the Mid-20th Century collection.
-The second "Then and Now" composition, with photos taken a decade apart, contrasts the top landing of the old and new Lancaster Terraces. The old terrace had trees planted in it, which presented logistical problems as they grew, but the foliage did provide abundant shade and served to obscure some of the more unsightly building elements. The door seen suspended in the arch on the side of the building was once the fire escape for the old auditorium. It was walled up when the space was converted to the Contemporary Gallery. Today, the new terrace is deforested and the arch now displays an oversized likeness of "Sally."
-The sketch depicts the 1st Century A.D. marble "Cinerary Urn of Nicanor", on display in the Roman Gallery.
-My friend, and fellow artist, Terri Priest has been very helpful in offering her feedback and insights regarding these WAM projects. Her affiliation with WAM goes back several decades. A quick collections search shows that the Worcester Art Museum owns at least a half-dozen of her abstract works from the 1960's - 1980's. Still prolific at 86, she is one of the most creative and talented people I know. I am particularly fond of her most recent, Vermeer inspired works.
 |
| 3rd Floor (East Gallery). Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins |
 |
| Lancaster Terrace. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins |
 |
| Urn of Nicanor. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins |
 |
| Terri Priest by Travis Simpkins. Worcester Art Museum |
