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OLD IN THE NEW

4/13/2015

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The Phi Beta Epsilon Renovation and Expansion at MIT

Interior Photo Mural Picture Renewal Restorations PBE, MIT
In the summer of 2013 Picture Renewal was commissioned to scan and restore approximately 100 photographs and documents from Phi Beta Epsilon’s archives. It was a major undertaking done in concert with their building restoration and construction of a new wing.

Among the dirty, dusty, smelly and torn albums and photos were some fascinating examples of 19th and 20th century studio portraiture and daily life on campus. A great line drawing of the original facade and a hand painted coat-of-arms were especially challenging.

Picture Renewal is proud to point out that a project of 100 pieces or 1 is treated the same! Each photo and document scan, restoration and custom print is done one at a time with care and respect to the original media and historical and emotional context. Each is unique and valuable. No push button factory here!
Seeing our custom prints (from 10” up 40”) framed and beautifully hung in the old and new buildings was a thrill!

The wall mural designed by PBE and MIT alumnus Brian Hunter was particularly rewarding to see.

Working on a project of this magnitude and with other professionals is a true joy. I wish to thank the architects at Epstein Joslin Architects and photographer Neil Alexander for allowing  me to use samples of their beautiful work.
A special thank you is due Mark Beasman, MIT '75. Co-Chairman, PBE Vision 2020 Capital Campaign.



Class oc c.1919 Phi Beta Epsilon Photo Restoration
Line Drawing Restoration by Picture Renewal
Photo by Neil Alexander
Photo by Neil Alexander
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Rare Historical Photo Of Black Minstrel Troupe, c.1895

2/28/2015

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Black Mistrel Troupe Photo Restoration
I am once again intrigued by a beautiful and historically significant image that I was asked to restore. This photo's story is best told by my client who has graciously given me permission to publish.

"Hi Stephen,
I donated it [the original] to the Schomberg Center for Research, etc. of Black Culture in Manhattan.
I bought the original print on ebay from a dealer....not a dealer specifically in black memorabilia.
There was no accompanying info or notation on the back of the card.
The image is obviously a black minstrel troupe and the clothing dates the photo to the 1890's, probably after 1895.
It is almost certainly a touring troupe performing in tent shows, etc. versus theatrical stages....though they could have been on the national theatrical circuit of theaters which presented black entertainers for black audiences. They certainly don't have the fancier clothing & costumes of a highly successful commercial company."

My client continues with remarks about the minstrel show format and the fixed roles of many of the performers, as well as the " transition of 'black' entertainment from whites in blackface to black players playing blacks in much less grotesque costume."

The story behind this picture in not only important to the history of theater but to this country.

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    Picture

    Stephen Sylvester

    Photographer, Photo Restorer, Artist

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