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COPY OF DUN & BRADSTREET REPORT RECEIVED ON


CASTANO, Giovanni (John)     Artist       BOSTON, Mass.
    (Castano Galleries                    Suffolk County
                                          171 Newbury St.

5 March 15, 1938

HISTORY

This is an unregistered style used for advertising purposes only.
He is 41, married, native born of Italian descent.  Castano studied at the Museum School of Fine Arts under the late Philip Hale, and for about eight years was employed as an artist by the Cincinnati Grand Opera Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, during the opera season.  For seven years he has been at his present address, since 1931.  Castan is well known as a mural and fresco artist.

METHOD OF OPERATION

Does considerable church work, in addition to the decoration of theatres.  In the nature of the latter he did the murals of the Metropolitan Theatre and the R. K. O. Theatre in this city.  He also restores and handles paintings on consignment.  In this connection, he works for wealthy individuals on a commission basis.  Employs four person.
Exhibitions of his work have been held and he has sold a number of his paintings.

FIRE HAZARD

Rents space 30' x 125' on the street floor and basement in a five story brick and stone building which is in good repair.  On the street floor there is an interior decorator and supply business, while the upper floors are used for office purposes.  On either side are similar buildings, houseing women's speciality shops on the street floor with apartments overhead.
FIRE RECORD:  No fires reported.

STATEMENT

On March 11, 1938, Castano said he owned his home in Needham valued at $20,000 and mortgaged for $5,000.  He said he had cash $1,000., accounts receivable $16,000 and pictures, frames etc. which cost him $15,000. and insured for that amount and owes $1,300 to $1,400; the rent is $350 per month.

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Castano formerly had space in a warehouse and a studio upstairs at this address, but about a month ago he rented the street floor and basement so he  could display his pictures under one roof and have exhibits.  He expects to increase his sales and commissions.
At bank satisfactory balances are maintained.
When a sale is made there is a good profit, but due to unfavorable conditions there has been less demand for art work.  Castano had a profitabel year last year; so far it has been quiet in 1938.

PAYMENTS

Purchases are confined to a few houses and payments are made in 30 to 90 days.

SUMMARY

IS OF GOOD ABILITY, BUT HE HAS ASSUMED RATHER HEAVY EXPENSE IN EXPANDING HIS GALLERY.