Object Description
Per the James D. Julia Inc.'s Auction Catalogue (End of Summer Spectacular Maine Auction- 2010):
The hanging banner mounted to a round wood dowel with hanging loop having oil painted decoration on both sides with a light green later addition yarn fringe. One side with "OUR LABOUR & SKILL ARE INDISPENSABLE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CIVILIZATION." in black letters with some red and pink shadowing. The statement surrounded by tools of the trade including a block plane, a back saw, a broad ax, square and dividers and molding plane on a white silk background. The reverse with "STRENGTH, CONVENIENCE, BEAUTY; THE GREAT DESIDERATA IN CIVIL ARCHITECTURE." in black letters with some red shadowing. Statement is surrounded by a leaf wreath in beige with brown and red highlighting on a white silk background.
Per the Maine Memory Network in conjunction with the Maine Historical Society - October 2015:
A painted linen banner with images of tools of the house wrights' trade, including a block plane, a back saw, a broad ax, square and dividers and molding plane, proclaims, "Our Labour & Skill are Indispensable for the Advancement of Civilization."
The reverse features a leaf wreath surrounding the words, "Strength, Convenience, Beauty; the great desiderata in Civil Architecture."
William Capen Jr. painted the banner for the house wrights' group of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland.
The banner and 16 others celebrated the work of skilled artisans. The banners were carried in a parade Oct. 8, 1841 in Portland.
