In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Vineyard Haven library welcomes living history presenter Andy Volpe for a presentation on Paul Revere’s “Boston Massacre” print.
Revere’s “Bloody Massacre” is one of the most infamous propaganda prints in American history. Better known today as the “Boston Massacre,” its image has found its way into hundreds of publications, history books, and videos.
While the event itself is heavily analyzed and debated, the plate and print have an interesting backstory that is not often talked about. Volpe will also touch on his own work replicating Revere’s prints, including how he went about producing a hand-engraved, full-size replica of the “Massacre” — one of only two such replicas created in the 21st century — which he created for the event’s 250th anniversary.
Andy Volpe is an artist, printer, and living history presenter in Worcester. Since 2010, he has collaborated with Gary Gregory of the Printing Office of Edes and Gill, which replicates important American Revolutionary documents and images, notably the Declaration of Independence, using the same techniques and replica presses. Volpe’s work focuses on replicating prints by Paul Revere, as well as other notable 18th century prints. He holds a degree in fine arts from Westfield State University, where he fell in love with the printers in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods. He also regularly presents at the Higgins Armory Collection at Worcester Art Museum on various arms and armor periods with several living history groups.
6 pm on Tuesday, July 28, Vineyard Haven library, 200 Main St. Free and open to the public, no registration required. For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or 508-696-4211.