McKeown Commission opts to proceed with conservator contract after dispute over archival boxes

The McKeown Collection Commission agreed Oct. 6 to proceed with a conservation contract that includes archival-box production after conservator Karen Zukor told staff she would return works if the boxes were removed from the scope.

The decision came during a discussion about conservation work on a 1804 John Marshall portrait titled "Life of George Washington, commander in chief of the American forces." Chair Trumper reported that staff had spoken with Zukor and that Zukor's position was that, if the archival boxes were removed, "she would prefer to simply return the works to us," which would forfeit encumbered funds and require restarting the contracting process. Trumper said she planned to call Zukor this week, or that staff member Annette Taylor would, to proceed with the contract "as is."

Commissioners pressed for clarity on what they were buying. Trumper said the archival boxes Zukor would create are more than simple cardboard: they "would be lined" and "labeled appropriately" and intended as showcase-quality boxes to sit on a shelf. Commissioner Kent and others said they had no objection to proceeding but warned the commission to track future vendor selection closely and to calendar preservation work earlier in the fiscal year. Commissioner Beecher urged the commission to use the contracted conservator where appropriate because men with curatorial experience are scarce and the contractor already has experience with the collection.

Speakers also discussed the budget line that would pay for the work. One speaker said the preservation stipend under consideration was "under $2,500," another called the available amount "right around $2,000," and a separate remark referenced "$252,500" in a way that appeared inconsistent with the rest of the record. Commissioners acknowledged that the precise amount to be spent specifically on the archival boxes for this item was not specified in the meeting record and said staff should confirm schedule and cost details with the conservator before work begins.

No formal motion and roll-call vote were recorded on the floor to change the contract terms; the transcript shows commissioners agreed to proceed with the contract as previously authorized and to have staff follow up to confirm schedule and details.

The conservation discussion occurred under agenda item 8.a and commissioners said they would report back when they have confirmation of timing and the finalized scope of work.