Paul revere still unites us

Art Business News, March, 2005

BOSTON -- William Francis Galvan, secretary of the Commonwealth and the Massachusetts Archives, in association with Haley & Steele Gallery, presents a unique portfolio of engravings taken from the original copperplates hand-engraved by patriot and silversmith Paul Revere at the time of the American Revolution. The state archives will allow three of Revere's original copperplates to be inked by a master printer who will then print "re-strikes" from the plates. These include "The Bloody Massacre on State Street," the sight of an ordered line of British soldiers appearing to fire indiscriminately into a crowd of unarmed colonials; "The View of Boston and landing of the British Ships, 1768," Revere's dramatic recording of British troops landing en-masse and marching into the city; and "The First Colonial Currency," which is a sheet of money that Revere was commissioned to produce for the Commonwealth so it could finance the Revolution. The currency is a fascinating reminder of the birth of our nation, but again illustrates the importance of a true American legend, Paul Revere.

Revere's striking images united people in a way that a thousand rousing speeches could not. Their impact remains today and these works truly changed the mood of America.

"Struck from the actual copperplates engraved by Paul Revere, these evocative prints transport us to and connect us with the historic days that defined our nation's character," says Galvin. "I am pleased to be part of the effort to preserve and protect our cultural heritage, as profits derived from the sale of these exclusive prints will be used to expand and promote the archives and museum."

Each portfolio include the three restrikes, hand-printed descriptions of each engraving and a certificate of authenticity bearing the seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The portfolios are priced at $1,200--the price of the original 18th-century printing of Revere's "The Bloody Massacre on State Street" now exceeds $190,000--and will be limited to 500. More than half have been sold (at press time) with 75 percent of the proceeds going directly to the state archives for general funding purposes and future projects.

For more information, call 617-536-6339; visit www.haleysteele.com/paulrevere.>

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