The $2 million purchase of the property was made possible by philanthropist Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation with a grant of $3 million toward the project.  The complete restoration of the landmark, estimated at $10 million will begin once additional funds are raised.

The buildings stand at the tip of Rocky Neck, one of America’s oldest art colonies.  The charm of the factory’s architecture has inspired generations of artists, who have come from around the world to paint it.  The factory appeared as a backdrop in the 2000 movie The Perfect Storm.  But the buildings have been vacant for 28 years, since close of the factory in 1980.  For over a century local fishermen used the factory's smokestack as a navigational guide.

Ocean Alliance Founder/President, Roger Payne says; “Wallis Annenberg and her family’s foundation saw the importance, beauty, and iconic nature of the paint factory from across the continent in Los Angeles.  We want to return the factory to as close to its original appearance as possible, and while doing so, use techniques that are as green as possible.  We hope to demonstrate, through its restoration to a healthful and non-polluted state, what is possible for Gloucester’s unique harbor and structures.”

“Like generations before us who have lived in Gloucester, we make our living from the sea, and our intention is to move forward hand-in-hand with the community.  We believe that our planned use of the buildings will not only respect the community’s past, but will be a natural fit with the current environment and with our mission.  We fully realize that acquiring and restoring the paint factory is the biggest challenge Ocean Alliance has yet faced, but we believe that the iconic value of the location and its role in maritime history offers a priceless reinforcement of our message.

Our greatest hope is that others will see what a great opportunity is being created by the generosity of the Annenberg Foundation, and will recognize that the time to restore this fragile and unique piece of history is limited and that we must move swiftly to achieve that end.”

Wallis Annenberg said, “I am delighted to help Ocean Alliance preserve this landmark for Gloucester and our nation.  Its restoration is a clear example of how historic properties can be saved for community use.  With a research institute in this space, the citizens of Gloucester and our country will benefit from expanded knowledge of our most important resource---water.  It is a privilege to be a part of American history.”

Jeff Kunz, Chairman of the Board of Ocean Alliance comments, “The Trustees of Ocean Alliance are grateful to the Annenberg Foundation for its generous gift and for the wonderful opportunity it has created.  We are overwhelmed by the welcome the city and residents of Gloucester has extended.  I believe that the management team and staff of Ocean Alliance will help insure an exciting and respectful outcome for this historic landmark.  Our objectives are to insure that we meet or exceed the expectations of the Foundation, the community and our mission, as we strive together to understand, learn from and protect the waters of the western North Atlantic.”

Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk said “Ocean Alliance's commitment to preserving and restoring the building ensures this part of our maritime heritage will not disintegrate anytime soon."

History of the Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory
In 1863, Messrs. Tarr and Wonson invented a revolutionary paint that played a vital role in ocean fisheries worldwide and even naval warfare.   Their paint contained antifouling properties which prevented marine life from growing on the bottoms of boats thus enabling higher performance and efficiency.  The factory was built near the end of the Civil War, and the success of the  innovation and resulting growth of the factory, helped Gloucester become the biggest fishing port in the United States, and one of the largest in the world.

About the Annenberg Foundation
Established in 1989 by Walter H. Annenberg, the Annenberg Foundation provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally through its headquarters in Radnor, Pennsylvania and offices in Los Angeles, California. Its major program areas are education and youth development; arts, culture and humanities; civic and community life; health and human services; and animal services and the environment. In addition, the Foundation operates a number of initiatives which expand and complement these program areas. The Annenberg Foundation exists to advance the public well-being through improved communication. As the principal means of achieving this goal, the Foundation encourages the development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.

About Ocean Alliance
Ocean Alliance, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1971 by biologist Roger Payne. Led by Dr. Payne and CEO Iain Kerr, Ocean Alliance collects a broad spectrum of data on whales relating particularly to toxicology, bioacoustics, behavior and genetics. Working from that data we give information to policy makers, politicians, non-governmental organizations, educators and students about ocean pollution and the health of sea life, especially marine mammal populations. Our data is the basis of many conservation success stories. Our longstanding scientific partner is the Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, which conduct’s state-of-the-art research aimed at understanding how environmental contaminants affect the health of humans and marine animals. Their mission is accomplished through the pursuit of a number of key objectives, including conducting innovative and multidisciplinary research in toxicology and molecular epidemiology to further our understanding of disease in humans and marine organisms, particularly as they relate to cancer, asthma and reproductive/developmental effects.