Monowheel Conservation

October 14, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Unique Neville Artifact to be Restored for Traveling Exhibit
 
Green Bay, WI---October 14, 2014---The Neville Public Museum is proud to announce the conservation of one of its most unique artifacts, a wooden mono-wheel, that dates to the late 1800s. The wooden mono-wheel, a one-wheeled single-track vehicle similar to a unicycle, was donated by Frank J.B. Duchateau in 1943. 
 
The conservation will be performed by Bill Robillard, accomplished furniture maker, antique restorer, and the owner of Encore Restorations, in consultation with Donald Williams.  Donald is a conservator, educator, and scholar.  He has worked on some of the most interesting objects in public and private collections and in historic buildings.  A retired Smithsonian conservator, Donald’s work included caring for and repairing the Smithsonian’s treasured possessions, from the Wright Brother’s Flyer to Archie Bunker’s chair. 
 
This conservation of the mono-wheel is taking place at the Neville Public Museum prior to it being exhibited next year at the Wisconsin Historical Society (Madison) and the History Museum at the Castle (Appleton), as a featured part of a temporary exhibit about the history of bicycling in Wisconsin.  
 
Through the conservation and temporary loan of this mono-wheel, it will ensure that the story of this rare and spectacular artifact will be shared with a state-wide audience.   When it returns to the Neville Public Museum following the bicycle exhibit, it will become a highlighted artifact in the museum’s permanent exhibition gallery.
 
Bill and Donald will be at the Neville Museum this Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.
 
Submitted by:
Rachel Patterson
Neville Public Museum Foundation
[email protected]
920-448-7874
210 Museum Place
Green Bay, WI 54303

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