Historical Scenes of Watertown Find New Homes

Noted for his marine paintings, New England artist and muralist Samuel Emyrs Evans executed eight paintings of historical scenes around Watertown that were commissioned by Watertown Savings Bank in 1975. The paintings have hung in the bank’s headquarters at 60 Main Street in Watertown for the past 37 years.  Recent renovations at the bank have eliminated the wall space required for these large works.  With the help of the Town of Watertown and the Historical Society of Watertown, the bank has been searching for new homes for these pieces of Americana. 

This past winter, one was donated to the Gore Estate in Waltham.  This summer, two were donated to organizations here in Watertown.  One painting called “The Cook House” depicts architect Charles Brigham sitting in a buck wagon.  It is now hanging in the lobby of The Brigham House, an assisted-living facility on Mount Auburn Street.  The other is a painting of the Perkins School for the Blind as it looked when it was first established here in Watertown.  The administration of the Perkins School has several places in mind for hanging it within the school grounds.

Carole Katz, Vice President of Marketing for Watertown Savings Bank, said, “We are so pleased these paintings have found new homes that are related to their subjects. Bank customers have enjoyed viewing them at our headquarters for many years.  It’s good to know they will remain nearby, available for public viewing.”