The Ducal Palace Diorama restoration is now complete and open for viewing at the North End Branch Library. The diorama is a scale model of Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice and one of the several unique features of the library.
The Friends of the North End Branch Library thank Eugene and Corinne Reppucci for the generous donation, in memory of their mother Anna Reppucci, which made this restoration possible. The work was accomplished by Daedalus, Inc. and they especially thank Cliff for all of his hard work. Originally constructed by Henrietta Macy before her death and completed by Louise Stimson of Concord, Massachusetts, the diorama was donated to the Boston Public Library by Nina C. Mitchell of Sheperdstown, West Virginia.
Next steps include restoring the case itself and adding signs and a revised brochure to the exhibit. Once that work is complete there will be an official “re-dedication” ceremony. In addition, a generous donation from Al Natale was used to install security mirrors in the library to assist the staff in keeping an eye on things. Two of the mirrors also help with the viewing of the diorama from the front of the library.
The completion of the diorama restores one of several outstanding features at the library. Another special piece of art is the Dante relief, recently cleaned by the Friends group. The library’s open architecture was designed after an Italian piazza and is located in the center of Boston’s North End at 25 Parmenter Street.
Photos from the restoration are shown below. Click any image to see a full screen slideshow. Photos by Matt Conti and thanks to Librarian Susan Voloshin for her help in accessing the diorama during restoration.
Always enjoy that piece. Thanks to all who refurbished this work.