It’s one of those nightmares lurking in the backs of the minds of almost every dealer or longtime collector… or, as it turns out, every museum Executive Director. During heavy rains, the storage facility of the non-profit ToonSeum inPittsburgh,Pennsylvaniabegan to leak and flood.
“While no original artwork was stored at this site we did lose a great number of books, comics, exhibition reproductions and equipment. Much of these items were awaiting transfer to our new ToonSeum library on-site. This was a temporary offsite holding storage where we kept books and equipment awaiting cataloging and transfer. We also used this space to store event and workshop supplies and equipment,” said Joe Wos, Executive Director of The ToonSeum.
Joe Wos, executive director of the ToonSeum, Downtown, looks over comics, displays, books and other material damaged by a recent leak in the museum's North Side warehouse.
“It has not affected our day to day operations too much and I want to let everyone know neither The ToonSeum itself or any art was affected (as that is stored a climate controlled facility),” he said.
Right now their focus is on restoring books to their library. Comic book publishersFantagraphics,DC/Vertigo, Hermes Press, and others have donated books, but the organization is seeking public support.
What the organization has achieved in the relatively short span of its existence is already no small thing. Over the past five years The ToonSeum has grown from a tiny space inside of another museum to a unique independent attraction in downtownPittsburgh’s Cultural District, and in the process they have brought in some of the top cartoonists in the nation and staged over 40 exhibits.
Less than two weeks ago they opened “Will Eisner’s New York,” an exhibit on loan from Denis Kitchen and the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA), and this summer will bring “Care Bears: 30 Years of Caring,” and “Pittsburgh is Gotham,” which ties into the upcoming release of The Dark Knight Rises, which filmed in the city. They also will host a number of workshops as well.
Your tax-deductible donation will help support The ToonSeum in dealing with their tough setback during what was already an ambitious time. Joe and his staff are good folks, and they will appreciate any assistance you’re able to provide. There are several ways to give: You can donate via Razoo, via Paypal to, or by sending a check to The ToonSeum,945 Liberty Avenue,Pittsburgh,PA15222.
Great Stories Washed Away In ToonSeum Warehouse Leak – Pittsburgh News Story – WTAE Pittsburgh.
