The Merrick Art Gallery is an early private art museum in western Pennsylvania, founded by industrialist Edward Dempster Merrick in 1880 in the old New Brighton, Pennsylvania railroad station. The gallery, or museum, was expanded to two connected buildings holding 240 works of art, and remains open, free-of-charge, to the public. The gallery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[2]
Edward Dempster Merrick (1832–1911) moved from New York state to New Brighton as a child. He worked as a telegraph operator and in his father's bucket-making business, then joined his brothers in 1867 in a foundry business which they sold in 1885. At this time he made a shrewd investment in a horseshoe nail manufacturing company, which supported Merrick and his museum for the rest of his life.[3]
The paintings are closely hung in the 19th century tradition. The inclusion of geologic and zoologic exhibits also reflect 19th century practices. Another exhibit is a piano once played by Stephen Foster. Other collections include modern and contemporary art, a 19th-century library[4] and items from the New Brighton Historical Society.[5]
By 1901 Merrick bought 200 paintings, ranging in price from $10 to $485, at a total cost of about $20,000. Merrick himself made 220 paintings which disappeared after his death.[3][6]
^Smith, Eliza F. (1980). "Merrick Art Gallery"(PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination form. Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
