White Mountain Exhibit opens at Belknap Mill

The Belknap Mill, the Lakes Region's year-round art and history center, will open an exhibit on William F. Paskell, considered to be the last artist from the White Mountain school, on Friday, June 20, 5:30 p.m. The opening will coincide with the Society's Recognition Reception to honor long-term members. This is the first exhibition that is devoted exclusively to this artist.

Sponsored by the Milo Pike and Penny Pitou Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation., the exhibit is open to the public from Friday, June 20 through Saturday, July 26.

The career of William F. Paskell (1866-1951) will resonate with many artists today. Recognized early for his talent, Paskell always had to struggle to make ends meet. Choosing the popular White Mountains for his subjects, he created thousands of paintings in his lifetime, often selling them at low prices for a quick sale. Today, his paintings – once ridiculed as "calendar art" for his colorful sunsets and fall scenes – are increasingly gaining the respect they deserve.

Paskell was born in London, to a family that came from a long line of cabinetmakers, framers, gilders and artists. When he was a child, the family moved to Roxbury, Mass., where he met many local artists through his father's picture framing business. By the time he had reached high school, he was selling his own pencil drawings in his father's frame shop. Upon graduation, he was selling enough drawings and paintings to pay for art lessons. When he was 17, he was recognized by the Boston Art Club, and a year later, by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. His youthful talent attracted considerable press. One reviewer called him "the boy genius of Boston art."

To enhance his career, Paskell traveled to New Hampshire to paint the White Mountains, following a tradition of many New England artists before him. Unlike some of the more established artists who stayed at expensive hotels and sold their paintings to wealthy tourists, Paskell stayed in a lumber camp on what is now the Kangamangus Highway. He earned his room and board by fishing in the Swift River to provide meals for the lumbermen.

Later, he traveled to Tamworth to paint Mount Chocorua. By this time he was able to stay at the Wonalancet Inn, where he gave away his paintings to offset the cost of his room and board. Paskell also traveled to North Conway and took side trips to Laconia.

At the age of 34, Paskell married, and in six years, he had fathered six children. To support his family, he often sold high quantities of paintings at low prices. During the Depression, he also used the name of T. Bailey and H. H. Howe to increase his chances of attracting more buyers in the art galleries. In 1951, he died at the age of 84 in his Boston studio, having produced about 4,000 works in a lifetime.

Beginning in the 1830s, the landscape painters of the Hudson River school in New York sought to define what was American. The White Mountain artists were influenced by this school. More than 400 artists are known to have painted White Mountain views in the 19th century.

Paskell's paintings have appeared in many White Mountain art shows across the country, including the “Incomparable Scenery” exhibition at the Belknap Mill in 1999. The show is curated by Samuel and Sheila Robbins, who will provide a “walk through” on Friday, June 20 during the Recognition Reception, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission for this special event is $40 per person, which includes a catered dinner and complimentary wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Sam and Sheila Robbins will also provide a "walk through" on Saturday, July 19. For that event, a traditional White Mountain camp supper will also be provided. Admission is $10 for non-members and $8 for members.

Admission to the art gallery at other times is free. The art gallery is open weekdays, 8-5 and Saturdays, 9-1. For details, call the Belknap Mill at 524-8813.