Washington at Dorchester Heights (1845) oil on canvas mounted on aluminum, 72″ x 96″ by Samuel P. Howes.
Samuel P. Howes (1806-1881) lived and worked in Lowell from 1835 until his death, painting portraits of residents and visitors in the new industrial city. Born in Plympton, MA, he worked in Boston and travelled to Lowell with the intention of staying for a few days. In 1835 he set up a portrait studio where he worked in oil on canvas and also painting miniatures on ivory. His first marriage ended in divorce and he married Catherine Bennett, a mill worker in 1844. He also added daguerreotype to his portrait business and advertised his photographic business over portraits. His studio was located at 112 Merrimack Street where he also sold pianofortes. Starting in the 1850s, he turned to more patriotic and historical subjects, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and General William T. Sherman. He continued to paint portraits until 1879. One of his last likely being a portrait of John A. Knowles, former President of Appleton Bank. His works are represented in collections throughout New England, including the Whistler House, New Hampshire Antiquarian Society and the Peabody Essex Museum.
This painting is an excellent copy of Gilbert Stuart’s famous work (which is owned by the MFA, Boston).
On display in this location since 1911, the painting was a gift to the library from Dr. William G. Ward. It was severely damaged in the 1915 fire. Federal funds supported the first restoration in 1977. The 2020 restoration was made possible with a gift from Rosemary Noon and Paul Marion in memory of Mary Foley Noon and Richard E. Noon, Esq., as well as with funds provided by the Pollard Memorial Library Trustees and the Pollard Memorial Library Foundation.