Edgar Rice Burroughs (American, 1875 – 1950) remains one of the most influential American authors of the early 20th century, best known for creating the iconic character Tarzan and for his contributions to the adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres. His stories—filled with thrilling escapades, larger-than-life heroes, and vivid imaginary worlds—captured the imaginations of readers and continue to shape modern storytelling.
The Vinson Collection on display at The Book Shop (Mansfield, OH), c. 1960.
At The Conservation Center, we recently had the privilege of working on two remarkable paintings from The Vinson Collection: The Golden Lion and The Warlords of Mars, both by James Allen St. John. The collection is a comprehensive archive of materials related to Burroughs and is dedicated to preserving the author’s literary and artistic legacy. Founded by Stanleigh B. Vinson in the 1940s, it is the most significant collection of Burroughs’ works and memorabilia outside of Burroughs estate. The paintings themselves represent key moments from Burroughs’ tales and stand as vital pieces of this carefully curated collection.
The Golden Lion before and after conservation:
Edgar Rice Burroughs: The Man Behind the Myth
Burroughs had a diverse career before he became a full-time writer, working as a soldier, cowboy, and even an inventor. His breakthrough came with the publication of Tarzan of the Apes in 1912, introducing the world to the now-legendary character Tarzan, a figure that would go on to inspire generations in literature and film. Alongside Tarzan, his Barsoom series (beginning with A Princess of Mars) created a vast, fictional universe that influenced countless science fiction and fantasy works.
As Ray Bradbury once said of Burroughs: “Edgar Rice Burroughs never would have looked upon himself as a social mover and shaker with social obligations. But as it turns out – and I love to say it because it upsets everyone terribly – Burroughs is probably the most influential writer in the entire history of the world. By giving romance and adventure to a whole generation of boys, Burroughs caused them to go out and decide to become special.”
In 2003, Burroughs was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on literature and popular culture.
The Vinson Collection
Stanleigh B. Vinson in his office, c. 1954.
(Photo by Bill Graham)
The Vinson Collection is an invaluable resource dedicated to preserving the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Stanleigh B. Vinson’s commitment to collecting and safeguarding Burroughs’ works—ranging from first editions to original artwork—has created a legacy that continues to provide insights into the life and influence of this groundbreaking author. Through his collection, Vinson brought together Burroughs-related materials that span both the literary and artistic realms, including original illustrations by James Allen St. John. He also passed on a collecting legacy to his family. Drawn to the strange animals and environments described in Burrough's stories, particularly those from the Tarzan and John Carter of Mars series, Stanleigh’s son, Bradleigh Vinson, a renowned entomologist, guided the collection after his father’s passing. Under his stewardship, the collection grew vastly to include Burroughs illustrations from books and magazines published in the latter half of the 20th-century, memorabilia, comic strips, original films, and movie posters.
Bradleigh Vinson and The Golden Lion, c. 2004.
Stanleigh Vinson’s passion for Burroughs’ work is evident in his lifelong pursuit of expertise on the author. As he once said, “You can become an expert at anything if you put your mind to it, in 10 years,” a mantra that inspired him to spend decades building one of the most comprehensive collections dedicated to Burroughs' legacy.
The Golden Lion
One of the most significant artworks in the collection, the original painting of The Golden Lion was tragically destroyed in a fire, prompting Stanleigh to commission a reproduction that allowed the scene to live on visually and maintain its connection to the author’s literary world.
The original dust-jacket illustration.
When The Golden Lion arrived at The Center, it was framed and carefully removed for examination. The painting was created on a composition board adhered to a Masonite backing, and several labels were found on the verso. The lower right corner showed slight delamination from the support, the edges of the painting had minor abrasions from the frame, and a small area of previous repainting was visible to the right of the lion’s chest. Additionally, a horizontal scratch was noted above the artist’s signature, located in the lower right corner.
The varnish layer had yellowed over time, and a light layer of surface grime was also present. The frame showed signs of particulate accumulation, water stains, and light abrasions.
Before treatment.
The painting was photographed before and after treatment for documentation, and the labels were carefully protected with Mylar. The surface grime was gently cleaned using a combination of aqueous solutions and dry methods. The reverse side was cleaned with a soft brush and vacuum to ensure proper care. The delaminating corner was re-adhered with appropriate conservation adhesive, and the accumulated accretions were carefully reduced using safe materials.
The varnish was removed using suitable solvents, and any previous repainting was addressed, with some areas carefully removed to restore the original paint layer. A fresh coat of varnish was applied to unify the surface and bring out the vibrancy of the colors. Inpainting was done where needed to address any areas of loss, and the final surface was coated with another layer of varnish to restore the overall gloss.
During treatment.
The frame was cleaned using conservation-approved methods, and any scratches or abrasions were retouched to seamlessly blend with the surrounding surface. New matboard spacers were added to ensure proper separation between the glazing and the artwork. The piece was reassembled in the existing frame, with a protective Coroplast backing board attached to the reverse. Any necessary hanging hardware was replaced to ensure the painting's stability.
After treatment.
The verso after treatment.
The Warlords of Mars
The Warlords of Mars was executed on medium-weight linen canvas, and the stretcher appeared to be original. Several inscriptions were found on the stretcher, including the name “Stanleigh” and the numbers “3au-#331” and “11/354.”
The painting displayed typical wear, including a small tear along the lower left edge and holes at the lower left, upper left, and upper right corners. The paint layer was thin to moderate in application, with areas of visible linear paint strokes. The top third and both sides of the painting had been repainted at some point, likely to cover the title words.
Before treatment.
The treatment began with cleaning the surface using aqueous solutions and dry methods. The reverse side was cleaned with a soft brush and vacuum, and the torn corners were aligned and mended using conservation adhesive. In some cases, bridging threads or patches were used for additional reinforcement.
During treatment.
The varnish layer was reduced; leaving the repaint covering the words intact. A new layer of varnish was added, and inpainting was performed to address any areas of loss. The frame was also cleaned and retouched as necessary. The artwork was then reinstalled into the existing frame, and a Coroplast backing board was applied to the reverse for added stability. The piece was reassembled with proper glazing and spacers to meet conservation standards.
After treatment.
The verso after treatment.
The careful conservation of The Golden Lion and The Warlords of Mars ensures that these iconic works, deeply connected to the legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs, will be preserved for future generations. The Vinson Collection continues to do incredible work in safeguarding and maintaining Burroughs' literary and artistic contributions, allowing these pieces of art to remain intact and appreciated. These paintings now shine anew, bringing the adventure and imagination of Burroughs’ worlds back to life for both modern and future audiences.
Many thanks to The Vinson Collection for their assistance in researching for this article. More about The Vinson Collection can be found here: https://www.vinsoncollection.com/
