Etchings of Arthur Davis on view at the Acton Memorial Library. 

Arthur Fuller Davis was Acton's longest serving Librarian (1902-1945) and is sometimes called, "Acton's Artist".  Find out more about Davis here: https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/resources-research/local-history/arthur-fuller-davis-gallery

In 2017, Richard Nylander donated 87 etchings and ephemera by “Acton’ s Artist” Arthur F. Davis to the Acton Memorial Library. The donation was in honor of his parents, Donald and Barbara Nylander. These works were a portion of the materials Davis left at the time of his death in 1953. Davis served as Acton’s librarian from 1904-44.

 This treasure trove of exquisite etchings was in need of major cleaning and restoration before they could be put on view. The first step was to evaluate all the works to see which could be restored; those printed on silk were not compatible to any restoration process. With the help of Larry Powers, 25 works were deemed eligible for restoration. The works are now cleaned and fully framed up to museum quality standards which will insure their protection and longevity.

Former AML director Wanda Null and Trustee Ann Chang wrote a grant to the CPC for funds to cover the costs of this work. Additional funds were provided by the Acton Memorial Library Foundation, Inc.

This exhibition was first slated for view on the 130 anniversary of the Library in May of 2020, but was delayed because of Covid. Now the community will get a chance to see another side of Davis through his very fine etchings. They will be on view in the Library’s meeting room for the months on November and December.

On Sunday, November 14th at 2:30 there will be a formal opening with remarks about Davis, his life and works by Wanda Null.

The community is invited; it will also be a chance to see what the CPC funds voted at Town Meeting have accomplished.