February 24, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM WORKS TO
RESTORE THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE
**Fundraiser to Benefit Picture
Gallery and Art Conservation Fund**
HONOLULU – Ever wonder how the artwork displayed at Bishop Museum created in the 1700s looks like it could have been painted last year? It’s through the amazing work of professionals who are dedicated to restoring and preserving the treasures of the past for the future. To support its ongoing need for art restoration, Bishop Museum is holding a fundraiser for the Picture Gallery and Art Conservation Fund at Morton’s, The Steakhouse on Monday, March 6 from 5 – 8:30 p.m.
Guests will have a rare opportunity to view several restored paintings from Bishop Museum’s collections, which have been restored and have not yet been exhibited at the museum, as well as two other pieces that illustrate the need for restoration. This is also a special opportunity to partake in a wide array of Morton’s dishes on one occasion.
Among the pieces on display are: Diamond Head (1865) by Enoch Wood Perry, one of the best-known images in the museum’s collection, it shows the famous landmark long before it became an icon that symbolized Hawai‘i to the rest of the world; Prince of Hawai‘i (1858-1962) also by Enoch Wood Perry, based on the only photograph taken of Prince Albert, son of Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, has a newly installed replica frame that complements the appearance of this beloved piece; Death of Cook (circa 1783) by George Carter, recently restored and reframed in a style that would have been used originally, this dynamic depiction of the death of Captain James Cook in Hawai‘i in 1779 shows the level of prestige that Cook held in his homeland; Eruption in Mokuaweoweo Crater, Mauna Loa by Howard Hitchcock, shows the contrasts of the snowy landscape of the summit of Mauna Loa with the glowing heat of the lava in Mokuaweoweo Crater and was recently reframed in the appropriate manner.
The paintings that are in need of restoration include Volcano (1880), one of the pieces in the Bishop Museum’s collection by Charles Furneaux, who specialized in painting of volcanic eruptions in the late 1800s. Some of his paintings have already been restored, but others, like Volcano, clearly show the effects of time and aging. Despite its apparently distressed condition, it can be brought back to its full beauty through the careful and meticulous work of professionals. The other painting is by W.A. Coulter, a renowned maritime painter who worked in Hawai‘i and San Francisco. Bakrentine Irmgard (1890) was originally received by Bishop Museum in damaged condition and needs a complete restoration in order for it to be exhibited.
Guests will enjoy strolling dinner stations featuring over 20 of Morton’s delicious, signature dishes and desserts, including Shrimp Alexander, wild mushroom canapés, Bluepoint oysters, sliced New York Strip sirloin with warm rolls, Chicken Christopher with garlic white wine butter sauce, chocolate velvet cake, and much more. Select wines will be paired with the various stations and Morton’s classic martinis will be available to compliment the special menu. The event also features a silent auction from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 each. Limited reserved seating is also available: Black Booth (table of 4) for $1,500 or Morton’s Magnum (table of 8) for $2,500. Complimentary valet parking provided. For reservations or more information, call Bishop Museum at 848-4157.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.