One of the most talked-about works from the Boston Public Library’s Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston exhibition is now part of the Library’s permanent collection — and will soon be on view in the Central Library’s historic McKim Building.
Thanks to the generosity of Roberta Cohn, who recently established the Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta L. Cohn Collections Endowment Fund, Michael Thorpe’s bold and thought-provoking quilt, Out of Order: Fortification of Dorchester Heights (2025), will soon be installed in the Washington Room — directly across from its inspiration, Emanuel Leutze’s Washington at Dorchester Heights (1852). Together, the works invite visitors to consider how national narratives are constructed, whose stories are celebrated, and whose voices have been overlooked. The pairing also reflects the Boston Public Library’s role as an institution that preserves history while continually welcoming new perspectives into the public sphere.
For Roberta, supporting the acquisition of Michael’s work reflects her belief in the Boston Public Library as an essential cultural and civic space in the city. “Libraries are important cathedrals of art, insight, inspiration, and intellect, and in the case of the BPL, it has freely served as the heart of our community for more than 175 years,” she said. “I’m proud to continue this legacy by helping to make Michael’s mosaic quilt a permanent installation.”
As only the second large-scale contemporary work of art installed in the McKim Building, the acquisition marks a significant moment for the future of the arts at the BPL. (The first permanent installation is Duke Riley’s tile mosaic of the Great Molasses Flood.)
“Displaying Out of Order reflects a renewed priority for the Library: to share our art collections with patrons in public spaces and actively support artists rooted in Boston’s creative community,” said Manager of the Arts Kristin Parker. “We’re so grateful to Michael for his vision, and to Roberta, whose support demonstrates a deep understanding of the unique value the BPL’s art collection plays in Boston’s cultural life.”
Composed of 20 quilted squares that can be moved and rearranged, Newton native Michael Thorpe’s Out of Order (pictured above) is intentionally fluid and ever-changing. Each new configuration offers a different interpretation, reinforcing the idea that our understanding of history is constantly evolving. To learn more about Michael’s work, visit forumgallery.com/artists/michael-c-thorpe.