-The first photo, from 1933, was taken shortly after the Renaissance Court addition of the Worcester Art Museum was completed. It shows the area without the Antioch mosaics and prior to the installation of the Morgan Memorial Organ pipework above the corner lay lights.
-The sketch depicts the ancient portrait of a young "Marcus Aurelius", circa 140 A.D., on display in the Roman Gallery.
-Visitors often ask why the corner sections of skylight squares in the Renaissance Court are covered. It's not easy to verbally explain, but those sections have a room above them that contains the pipework for the Morgan Memorial Organ, which no longer works… but it could with proper maintenance (shown in photo at right). Installed in 1942, the Opus 1036 Organ was made by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company and was located on the first floor near the Asian Galleries. The mechanical controls are still located on the second floor, with the bellows and pipework placed loftily above on the fourth level of the building.
-On September 12, 2014, my good friend and fellow artist, Terri Priest, passed away at the age of 86. She was one of the most generous, kind and talented people I've ever met. Over the past year, she had been a passionate supporter of my artistic projects and endeavors, and I truly value her friendship and helpful feedback. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with her family. Terri was an accomplished artist, renowned both internationally and locally, and the Worcester Art Museum owns several of her works (which, hopefully, will be put on display sometime in the near future).
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| Renaissance Court. Worcester Art Museum. byTravis Simpkins |
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| Marcus Aurelius. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins |
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| Morgan Memorial Organ Pipes. Worcester Art Museum. |
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| Terri Priest (1928-2014). by Travis Simpkins |
