One of the Last Show Outfits Worn by the Famous Showman
Questers International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of antiques and history, has awarded the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave a $4015 grant to conserve one of the last show outfits worn by the famous showman, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. A check was presented June 1, 2008 during a sculpture presentation by famed British artist Brian Mickleburgh.
Over a decade ago, Mickleburgh used this very same outfit as his motivation for a life-sized bronze sculpture, now on display in North Platte, NE. The artwork being donated to the Museum in June is a portrait study used in creating the full-sized image.
The Questers International Grant was sponsored by Applewood Relics, longtime supporters of cultural institutions in the Denver-metro area. Past projects have included the restoration of the fountain at the Governor’s Mansion and artifact acquisition for the Lakewood Heritage Center. Most recently the Applewood Relics sponsored the conservation of two Native American headdresses belonging to Sioux leaders Sitting Bull and Iron Tail, both of which reside in the Buffalo Bill Museum’s collection.
In addition to sponsoring this grant, the Applewood Relics will donate $500 to supplement project funds. This additional donation will allow the Museum to clean and conserve the outfit and to re-mount the clothing on a more structured, archival mannequin, providing a much needed facelift to one of the Museum’s most popular and significant objects.