Historic Paintings Restored and Reinstalled at Watertown City Hall

WATERTOWN, MA – Two paintings that have adorned Watertown City Hall since its opening in 1932 have been restored and reinstalled as part of a preservation project funded by the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The paintings, depicting key moments in the town’s history, had suffered significant wear over the decades, including scratches, dirt buildup, and other damage.

The paintings include a 1630 view of Watertown, featuring landmarks like the Brown House and the old cemetery, and a 1930 aerial perspective of the town, illustrating its development over three centuries. The restoration process included cleaning accumulated dirt and nicotine, repairing damaged areas, and stabilizing the brittle panels. Conservators also recreated missing brass strips, originally part of the frames, to align with the City Hall’s Art Deco design.

The project is part of broader efforts to maintain Watertown’s historical assets. Future plans include restoring the town’s oldest cemeteries, such as the Old Burying Ground on Arlington Street and the Common Street Cemetery.

The restored paintings are now displayed in City Hall, with protective barriers installed to prevent future damage.

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