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Spring / Summer 2014

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Bold & Brash: the Art of John Haley Bellamy at Discover Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, NH -- The largest exhibit of works by premier New England woodcarver John Haley Bellamy is now open through October 3, 2014 at Discover Portsmouth in historic downtown Portsmouth, NH. Best known for his iconic American eagle design, Bellamy's 19th century carvings are among the most collectible and sought-after in the nation. Bold & Brash, the Art of John Haley Bellamyexplores the evolution, range, and prolific success of this fascinating Yankee craftsman.

The retrospective exhibit marks the centennial of Bellamy's death and is highlighted by the release of a comprehensive and colorful new hardcover book by exhibit curator James Craig. American Eagle: The Bold Art and Brash Life of John Haley Bellamydebunks the myths, uncovers the secrets, and explores the legacy of the successful artist from Kittery Point, Maine.

Widely considered the pinnacle of American woodcarving, eagles by John Haley Bellamy rank amongsuch hallowed national symbols as the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and Old Glory. The exhibit is open from April through October 3 at Discover Portsmouth.

In addition to an astonishing collection of Bellamy eagles, the exhibit also includes Bellamy's early figurative carving and his intricate Masonic mirror framesand decorative clocks. Maritime carvings include a large stern board and gangway boards fromAmerican warships. As an extremely rare treat, visitors can view two carved cupboards and paneling salvaged from the lost 18th century SparhawkMansionthat once stood in Kittery Point, Maine. The exhibit includes an original carved cupboard circa 1742, and a duplicate made by John Haley Bellamy soon after the Civil War. These items are privately owned and have never been exhibited to the public.

"Gathering all these amazing examples in one location will finally confirm Bellamy's legendary status as a master wood carver," says Richard M. Candee. A professor emeritus of American Studies at BostonUniversity, Candee is president of the Portsmouth Historical Society.

The second floor "balcony gallery" offers a unique look at woodcrafters, past and present, who adopted the Bellamy style. This bonus display entitled "Inspired Imitators and Modern Masters" is a must-see for woodcarvers and for collectors who want to know if they own an authentic Bellamy eagle.

"One of the truly surprising elements of Bellamy's artistic vision is its enduring appeal," says curator and author James Craig. "He has inspired alegion of artists for a whole century who continue to adopt and adapt his eagle carvings generation after generation."

Located in the former city library, Discover Portsmouth has become the new hub of history and culture in downtown Portsmouth and includes galleries, a visitor information center, gift shop, and public meeting space. The exhibit is housed in the renovated brick 1810-era PortsmouthAcademy building. After only five years the new venue now welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually.

"We plannedsomeday to offer museum-quality exhibits like this special Bellamy show," says Discover Portsmouth executive director Maryellen Burke, "but we never dreamed we would reach this level so quickly. The response from tourists, the community, the city, our incredible benefactors, and hundreds of new historical society members has been phenomenal."

Six years in the making, the "Bold and Brash" Bellamy exhibit,with its accompanying hardcover book,comprises the most extensive project in the nearly 100-year history of the Portsmouth Historical Society. Bothare made possible in large part by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Pete Nicholas.

Discover Portsmouth is located at 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH and is open from 10-5PM daily with extended hours until 8PM on the first Friday of each month. Admission to this special exhibit is $8 and includes a free ticket to the neighboring JohnPaulJonesHouseMuseum. The exhibit is free to historical society members. For information regarding group tours, special gallery talks, interviews, and woodcarving displays, please call (603) 436-8433 or visit

ABOUT JOHN HALEY BELLAMY (1836-1914)

The son of a boat builder and timber inspector, John Haley Bellamy was born in the historic PepperrellMansion in Kittery Point, Maine. He grew up in the heart of the shipbuilding world on the coastal border withNew Hampshire. Always innovative, independent, prolific, and with a keen entrepreneurial spirit, Bellamy took the carvingcraft to new heights. While working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for $2.32 per day, he created the 3,200 pound gilded eagle figurehead with its 18-foot wingspan for the USS Lancaster, now at the Mariner's Museum in Virginia. After years of experimentation, Bellamy perfected the iconic American eagle design for which he is best remembered. It was, in his own words, "original with me and never known or heard of until I produced it." With a small crew John Bellamy fine-tunedthe carving process to produce thousands of wooden eagles without sacrificing his distinctive and personal attention to detail. Riding the wave of Victorian tourists visiting the historic PiscataquaRiver region, Bellamy established a successful business in his Maine workshop. An inveterate bachelor and legendary Yankee character, Bellamy attracted the likes of writers William Dean Howells and Mark Twainand painter Winslow Homer to his humble studio. The powerful and streamlined "Bellamy eagle" with its patriotic appeal came to symbolize the rising world influence of the United States as the 20th century dawned. His two-foot long souvenir eagles sported banners with slogans like "In God We Trust" and "Don't Give Up the Ship." These two-dollar plaques are today worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars.The iconic Bellamy design -- part real, part whimsy -- has been highly imitated, often leading to debates among collectors and dealers as to which carvings truly came from the ingenious Mr. Bellamy. For much more on the artist, please read AMERICAN EAGLE: The Bold Art & Brash Life of John Haley Bellamy by James A. Craig, now available from thePortsmouth Marine Society Press.