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ARTICLE 10 (b) Project: Restoration of Margaret, Lady Lexington Painting CPA Category: Historic Resources Amount Requested: $ 9,000 Amount Recommended: $ 9,000 CPC Vote: (7-0) Project Description: This FY21 request seeks funding for the restoration of "Margaret, Lady Lexington" oil on canvas painting, painted in 1867 by an unknown artist. The painting was given to the Trustees of the Cary Memorial Building by Mr. Elwyn G. Preston, and has been on display inside the Cary Memorial Building since October, 1928. Margaret, Lady Lexington (1673 - 1712) was the wife of Robert Lord Lexington (1662-1723), of the House of Sutton, a Lord of the Bedchamber of King William and ambassador to Spain under Queen Anne and the possible namesake of the Town. The Historical Commission determined that the painting is a "Historic Resource" at a public meeting held on February 20, 2019. The painting is in fair to poor condition, both aesthetically and structurally, based on a Condition Report prepared by conservator Elizabeth Leto -Fulton dated April 28, 2019. The painting suffers from a layer of atmospheric grime and degraded varnish layer overall, actively flaking paint in approximately 50% of the surface which is in danger of being lost, and planar distortions in the canvas. The treatment proposal would include consolidation of loose flaking of painting and frame, vacuuming loose dirt and dust from the front and reverse of both painting and frame, humidifying and flattening the painting as needed, surface cleaning of grime from the painting and frame, reduction/ removal of yellowed varnish, and filling in of areas of paint loss. Restoration work is anticipated to commence in January 2021 and be complete by June 2021. Project Goals and Objectives: • Hire a qualified conservator to restore a "Historic Resource" back to premier/ pristine condition; • Protect and prolong the life of the painting and frame; and • Support Lexington's goal in preserving the Town's rich history and its historic resources. Project Benefit: The funds will allow for much-needed repairs to a Town Historic Resource. If funding for the restoration is not secured, the painting will gradually suffer paint loss, tears, and a weakening canvas and frame. The original conservator's quote was $6,700 in 2016; a total restoration in FY21 will mitigate the escalating restoration and labor costs. Funding Request: The FY21 funding request is $9,000. E