Lithograph Fragment Advertising Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show

Lithograph Fragment Advertising Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Found at the Paramount Theater, Rutland, Vermont and conserved with original acrylic painting by Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jericho, Vermont, 1999 – 2000, lithograph before 1914, c.e.

[During the restoration of the historic Paramount Theater, on Center Street] workmen discovered that the Paramount had been built between two older buildings in such a way that the outside walls of the old buildings had become the inside walls of the theater. Under one of the old interior walls they discovered the remains of a huge lithographic poster.

The poster was an advertisement for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. The poster was in tatters when I first saw it, and beyond restoration, but I found it fascinating … I secretly removed this tiny fragment of the tightrope walkers from the old brick wall and brought it home to my studio. Like an Egyptologist restoring a tomb painting, I glued these fragments onto a backing.

This object, part historical artifact, part personal painting, sums up my love of art and history. I would be honored if you made it a permanent part of your collection, as long as you include this story along with it as well. Enjoy! —Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr.

Gift of Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr.

pr;1999;278;co