HDC Minutes 10-28-20CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION Historic District Commission
DATE: October 28, 2020
LOCATION: Google Meet
MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Chair; Suzanne LaMont, Vice Chair;
Caroline Mason, Wendy Pearl
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Emily Hutchings (Planning Department, City of Beverly)
RECORDER:
Jodi Byrne
Call to Order
Chair William Finch calls the October 28, 2020 meeting of the HDC to order at 6:40 pm.
Assistant Planning Director Emily Hutchings reads a prepared statement introducing the
meeting, the authority to hold a remote meeting, public access and public participation, and
meeting ground rules. She takes roll call attendance.
Members, responding in the affirmative.
Suzie LaMont
William Finch
Caroline Mason
Wendy Pearl
Staff, responding in the affirmative.
Emily Hutchings
Jodi Byrne
Supporting materials that have been provided to members of this body are available from the
Planning Department.
1.Application for Determination of Historic Significance Gruppe Mural Beverly
Planning Department
Asst. City Planner Emily Hutchings reads a formal statement declaring that this special meeting
is acceptable. She says that the purpose of this meeting is to determine if the Gruppe Mural is
historically significant to the city of Beverly.
Chair Finch provides a brief review of the mural, stating that although it is not listed on the
National Register, it was painted by a well-known Gloucester artist (Emile Gruppe) with a
substantial following, especially in the North Shore. Finch notes that Gruppe has since passed
$10-20k range. He reports that several years ago, this mural was informally appraised at $30k by
Michael March. Finch says that this mural may be considered historically significant to the city
the memory of local residents.
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Wendy Pearl says that the mural depicts Beverly during an iconic time in the history of Beverly
content and relationship to the history of Beverly is significant.
LaMont says that this piece of artwork was connected to the community at the time of its display
as it was easily accessible to the public. She notes that a piece like this by a well-known artist
would normally be hous
restaurant where it could be seen by people of every income level in an accessible setting.
Finch states that this work by Gruppe is not characteristic of his oils which ar
scenes of schooners, piers, and the Boston Harbor. He says that this unique piece has special
value to the citizens of Beverly, and that this major large scale work by a well-known North
Shore artist depicting a historic scene in Beverly makes it historically significant to the city.
LaMont says she believes it is the only mural Gruppe ever painted, and Finch adds that it is the
Wendy Pearl states that the only negative is that the mural is not in its original location, but that
this does not have an effect upon its determination of historical significance. The Commission
holds a brief discussion on possible places to display the mural.
Finch: Motions to determine that the Gruppe mural is historically significant to the city
of Beverly based upon the following criteria: it is a significant historical depiction
-known and
revered North Shore artist. Caroline Mason seconds. There is a formal roll call
vote with all members voting yes:William Finch, Chair; Suzanne LaMont, Vice
Chair; Caroline Mason, and Wendy Pearl. The motion passes (4-0).
LaMont asks how and why the mural was moved to Williamstown, and Asst. Planner Hutchings
says that she has not yet been able to research this information.
Pearl notes that this valuable piece of art belongs to the city and states the importance in
identifying its value and insurer. Asst. Planner Hutchings says that the $30k restoration quote by
the Oliver Brothers is out of date and that a more recent estimate (by the firm in Williamstown)
estimates the restoration at $46k, not including the framing and moving costs.
LaMont says that this estimate by the Oliver Brothers included securing the mural for moving
and prepping. Hutchings reports that DPS moved and secured the mural, and that the Oliver
Brothers quote underestimated the cost which was further evaluated in Williamstown, MA.
Caroline Mason says there needs to be a conversation to consult professional art conservators.
Finch asks the current location of the mural and Hutchings reports its location at the
Williamstown Art Conservation Center. She says there is no contract, but that there is an
examination record showing a restoration cost of $46k, not including the framing, hanging, or
moving again. Chair Finch says that it may be wise to have the mural reviewed by other
conservators with experience in historical pieces. Hutchings says that she will make note of this.
2.Adjournment
Suzie LaMont motions to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. Wendy Pearl seconds the motion.
There is a formal roll call vote with all members voting yes:William Finch, Chair; Suzanne
LaMont, Vice Chair; Caroline Mason, and Wendy Pearl. The motion passes (4-0).
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