Lithograph Fragment Advertising Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show

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Lithograph Fragment Advertising Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Found at the Paramount Theater, Rutland, Vermont and conserved with original acrylic painting by Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jericho, Vermont, 1999 – 2000, lithograph before 1914, c.e.

[During the restoration of the historic Paramount Theater, on Center Street] workmen discovered that the Paramount had been built between two older buildings in such a way that the outside walls of the old buildings had become the inside walls of the theater. Under one of the old interior walls they discovered the remains of a huge lithographic poster.

The poster was an advertisement for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. The poster was in tatters when I first saw it, and beyond restoration, but I found it fascinating … I secretly removed this tiny fragment of the tightrope walkers from the old brick wall and brought it home to my studio. Like an Egyptologist restoring a tomb painting, I glued these fragments onto a backing.

This object, part historical artifact, part personal painting, sums up my love of art and history. I would be honored if you made it a permanent part of your collection, as long as you include this story along with it as well. Enjoy! —Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr.

Gift of Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr.