Conservation

The Ohio Historical Society recently began a project to conserve works of art in the painting collection. This large collection contains both Ohio scenes and paintings by Ohioans, housing works by such artists as Archibald Willard, J. O. Eaton, James H. Beard and Howard Chandler Christy. Paintings will be conserved based on their condition and importance to Ohio history.

Conservation of museum collections is supported by the Ohio Historical Foundation's Endowment fund. Thanks to the Foundation's efforts, the Society's most important paintings can be seen again on exhibit and will be preserved for future generations. Each new conservation project will be highlighted on this page of the Ohio Historical Society website.

Recent Projects:
John S. Rarey & Cruiser by Minor K. Kellogg

BEFORE (46k)	AFTER (45k)
(click the images to see larger versions)

The most recent conservation project is a work by Cincinnati native, Minor K. Kellogg (1814-1889) , of the famed 19th century horse trainer, John S. Rarey. The large painting, which stands 4ft. 4in. high, depicts Rarey along with his horse, Cruiser, who made the Columbus-born trainer famous for his ability to tame even the most vicious of animals with kindness and tenderness. The Ohio Historical Society owns the eight-pound muzzle of iron originally used to control Cruiser along with the decorative silk tassels that the horse wore to accompany Rarey in performances, as well as other Rarey Items.