Virginia City
Gypsy Fortune Teller Conservation Project
The Montana Heritage Commission received a private donation to contract with a conservator for needed conservation work on a priceless item in the Virginia City Collection. The Gypsy Fortune Teller resided in the back of Bob's Place for many years. Time has taken its toll on the fabrics, paper mache and beading. In addition to the fabrics and paper, the mechanical parts of the Gypsy also need attention. Conservator John Kjelland of Missoula, has the Gypsy in his care to accomplish the delicate task of restoring her to the glory she once had.
The photos below show the current conditions of the Gypsy, demonstrating the importance of this restoration work. Our hope is to have the Gypsy in operational order by the summer of 2006, pending availability of needed materials for repair. The Gypsy will then be displayed and available for operation on a regulated basis in order protect her fragile state.
Pictures
A full length front view of the machine before dismantling
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Header of the cabinet showing trim loss
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Front view of figure in cabinet before dismantling
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Back view of figure in cabinet before dismantling. In this image it is easy to see the dust on the head and shoulders of the figure and on the cabinet shelf behind her.
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Close up of back of head showing mechanical works before dismantling
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Close up of the electro-mechanical works before dismantling, showing the Bovey-installed speakers and wiring.
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Close up of the floor of the cabinet in front of the figure, showing the configuration of the hand & playing cards. Again the dust and dirt is clear, and breaks in the fabric of the sleeves are visible.
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Close up of the upper left inside the cabinet, showing the drapery and beadwork. Note the amount of dust on the drapery, the loss of beads in the fixture near the top of the picture. A break in the drapery fabric is visible on the left of the photo. The tassels on the drapery (in the lower left quarter of the photo) were originally white, bright yellow, and red.
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Conservator John Kjelland conducts preliminary cleaning—brushing and vacuuming the dust and debris from the electro-mechanical areas of the cabinet.
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An image taken just before the head was removed—the white gloves of the curator's hands are visible on either side of the figure's head.
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Close up of the mechanism that held and moved the head. The pink neck ruffle is pleated silk and was originally red. It is extremely fragile, and breaks or powders to the touch.
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The interior of the case, showing the figure after the head, arms, and hands were removed. The deep red areas on the front of the "skirt" are relatively unfaded, having been covered by the arms. The pale areas show by contrast the level of light damage that has occurred.
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Close up of the interior floor of the cabinet after the figure was removed. The dark green semi-circle in the lower portion of the photo is where the figure sat. The dust and debris are clear, including a cigarette stub—perhaps Charlie Bovey's—that had been pushed under the front of the figure. The separated torso can be seen in the background.
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Close up of the left side of the head after it was removed.
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Close ups showing the severe cracking of the pigments on the head and face of the figure.
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Close up of the remaining wax cylinder (there were 2), showing breaks, cracks and cellophane-tape repairs.
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Conservator John Kjelland drives his traveling conservation lab out of Virginia City, taking the Gypsy Fortune Teller back to his full-size lab.
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The cabinet is unloaded by forklift into John's studio.
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