Art Restoration Underway at Harden House in New Milford

NEW MILFORD, CT —Thanks to a grant from the New Milford Commission on the Arts, two Harden House Museum paintings estimated to be over a century old at have recently been restored.

The grant for $1,500 was used to restore two James Gale Tyler paintings of schooners. Tyler was a well-known marine painter from New York in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Yost Restoration, based in Oxford, removed soot, dirt, nicotine and an aging varnish that also yellows and pools on the paintings. They have also repaired structural cracks and corrected the structure of the paintings.

"The Museum has been through serious repair and upkeep over the last twelve years. While the former home of Frank and Elizabeth Harden has come back to life, the paintings have certainly suffered," state Executive Director, Billy Buckbee. "When we received the first painting back, it was breathtaking and inspiring. I stared at the clipper ship in the painting and said 'This is what it looked like when Frank first hung this up!' and it truly does change the look of the room. We cannot thank the New Milford Commission on the Arts enough because this gift goes far beyond those dollars."

Buckbee stated that they are now looking for help to restore more of the work in the Harden House Museum.

"This is only the beginning, but we need help from those who appreciate art, conserving history and bringing these paintings back to life. The original colors are vibrant and powerful, but as a non-profit, we have to be careful where any raised dollars go for the grounds and regular upkeep. We are looking for those who would like to help us preserve and protect the art itself for future generations to enjoy and learn from."

The Harden House Museum is located at Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Drive in New Milford.