Lost Art: Chandler Library Provides Mystery for History Detectives

Library Director Jen Hinderer is the keeper of an unclaimed eclectic collection of art which dates back to the 1950s. It was found inside a display case donated to the library following the sale of the Chandler Library.

Hinderer explained that when the large wood-and-glass cabinet arrived, an acquisition from the sale of the Chandler Library, the collection of artwork was discovered in a drawer.

"Some of these are painted on the back of paint-by-number paintings, wood blocks, cardboard boxes," said Hinderer, shuffling through the collection of paintings, many of them signed "Robert Pease" and dated in the late 1950s.

"I don't know who Robert Pease was, but he painted a lot," Hinderer said.

When the former Chandler Library, 257 Main St., was sold last month for $160,000 to developer Ben Bosowski, there were a few remaining strings attached – the display case had to be moved to the Nashua Library on Court Street and used in the future Chandler wing; and a framed copy of Mabel Chandler's valedictory speech and a picture of the Chandler building must be displayed.

The artwork was an unknown factor, so Hinderer isn't sure what to do with it. First, she'd like to find out more about the artist.

It's possible the artist is still around somewhere, given the date on the paintings, which appear to be the work of a young artist.

After languishing for seven years with no buyers, the former children's library on Main Street was finally sold to Bosowski well below its assessed value, in large part because the building was in disrepair, Hinderer said, including some issues with asbestos, in need of mitigation. 

Originally the trustees were tasked with retaining the estate as a library, and if sold, to sell only to a nonprofit entity. 

"In 2010 that restriction was lifted. The only remaining stipulations were that it couldn't become a funeral home, a filling station, garage or restaurant; that the Chandler name had to stay on the building; and that the main building had to stay intact, but the carriage house could be demolished at the discretion of the new owner," Hinderer said.

Proceeds from the sale of the Chandler Library, along with a generous trust fund, will be used toward the library's Chandler wing expansion project. Bosowski stated has stated he would like the building to become an antique showroom, Hinderer said.

"I'm very curious about these – some of these paintings are really interesting," Hinderer said.