Your Cut of History at the Newport Historical Society
Custom Cut Silhouettes on Museum Store Sunday
Museum of Newport History & Shop
November 25, 2018
For the second annual Museum Store Sunday, the Newport Historical Society’s Museum of Newport History & Shop will host Deborah O’Connor as she creates custom cut silhouettes just for you.
Each paper silhouette is cut entirely freehand by eye, not drawn or traced.
All ages are welcome and the sitting time required is just five minutes.
The silhouettes will be mounted on white or ivory card stock, individually or in groupings.
Up to two extra copies can be cut along with the original, which will be available at half-price and make great gifts.
Traditional oval frames and mattes will also be available to purchase.
If you would like a custom silhouette of a loved one who is not able to attend or of your furry friend, silhouettes can be cut from photographs.
Please bring a sampling of photographs for her to cut the best rendition.
Silhouettes are $30 each. Make one reservation per silhouette. Additional copies and framing options will be available day of event for purchase.
This event is inspired by silhouettes in our collection, including the ca. 1833 silhouette of Sarah Newcomb, which is currently on display in the Museum.
In the 18th and 19th centuries it was popular for those who could afford to commission a portrait to do so, however, silhouettes appealed to those who wanted to capture their image of that of a loved one, yet could not pay the premium of a portrait artist.
Silhouettes also appealed to Quakers due to the more simple and egalitarian nature of the art.