Alumni Association of the Victorian Society Summer Schools

Letter from the President March 2017

Greetings, fellow alumni. Salutations from your new Alumni Association president, David Blackburn. First, a hearty thank you to Nancy Golden for her dedication to this organization. We would not be where we are without her dedication and leadership. Thank you, Nancy!

In 1998 I was accepted into the Newport Summer School. Little did I know how much that program, and the Victorian Society in America, would change the course of my professional life. I’ve had a fascination with architecture and material culture for many years, as a youth funneling that interest into a BA in Anthropology. I landed a summer position at Mesa Verde National Park in 1985 and I was hooked with the National Park Service. In my position, I was able to bridge my desire to connect people to other things, other cultures, and facilitate a meaningful experience in my work as a ranger.

Over a decade later, as a manager, I wanted to connect to other interests while staying with the agency. Lo and behold, I was introduced to the Victorian Society in America. Those ten days in Newport, with the inimitable Richard Guy Wilson, opened my eyes and my mind to the places, people, intellectual connections and curiosities I was craving. The next year, I was accepted into the VSA’s London Summer School. That experience sealed the deal and I was hooked.

Exploring the 19th C built environment with a group of like-minded souls, within the structure of the summer school, opened my eyes to a bigger goal—graduate school. I matriculated in 2000 and graduated in 2004 with a MA. Two years later I moved into an upper level management position as curator and director of exhibitions and public engagement at Lowell National Historical Park. In 2015, I moved into the position of Site Manager for Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

2016 was an excellent year for the summer schools. Thanks to all of you that donated time, talent, and treasure to these magnificent programs. We cannot run this endeavor without you! As you’ll see in the pages ahead, the past year offered adventures in Europe, immersion into the wonders of Newport, and a new director to the summer school. We look forward to 2017 being another banner year.

DIRECTOR’S LETTER Continued on page 2

1 DIRECTOR’S LETTER Continued from page 1

As an alum of the VSA Summer Schools, I deeply appreciate the pivotal Alumni Association role the programs played in where I am today. Did the summer school of the Victorian affect change in your life or career? I’d love to hear from you and share Society Summer your stories in future editions of the newsletter. Schools, A Chapter This is your organization! Share your stories, share your ideas…what does the Alumni Association mean to you? What can we do for you? Please let of the Victorian me know at [email protected]. Society in America Cheers! CHAPTER OFFICERS David Blackburn, President David Blackburn Exton, PA Carrie Taylor, Vice President Providence, RI Alumni Association of the Victorian Society Summer Schools David Lamdin, Treasurer 2015 Financial Statement Arlington, VA 1/1/15-12/31/15 Jeanne Solensky, Corresponding Secretary Opening Balance, January 1, 2015 $58,952 Wilmington, DE Bob Chapman, INCOME Membership Secretary Membership Dues $16,668 Montclair, NJ Donations $5,579 Study Tours 0 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Events $1,330 William Cullum Merchandise Sales 4820 New York, NY Investment $2 TOTAL INCOME $24,399 Carl Klein Evanston, IL EXPENSES Elizabeth Ann Milnarik VSA Dues $100 Washington, DC Donation $26,500 John A. Martine Events $1,598 Pittsburgh, PA Member communications $7,517 Miscellaneous $151 Christopher Pollock Advertising $125 San Francisco, CA SS Recruitment $1,750 Insurance 0 Alumni Association Newsletter Study tours $3,229 VSA Reimbursement 0 Editor: David Blackburn TOTAL EXPENSES $40,870 Design: Harriet Eckstein Graphic Design, Santa Barbara, CA NET INCOME/LOSS ($16,471) Please send news and articles to: David Blackburn CLOSING BALANCE [email protected] December 31, 2015 $42,481

2 Alumni Association Summer 2016 Alumni Schools Scholarship Donors Association Scholars

he Officers and board members of the Alumni Association are extremely Tgrateful to all alumni who help support us. Listed below are those who he Alumni Association made donations to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Tprovided $21,250 for scholarships to the following Warren Ashworth Pauline Metcalf thanks to the generous support (Newport School) C. Dudley Brown of so many loyal alumni. (Koch Fund) Duane Myers (Koch Fund) Chicago School Laura Camerlengo Danae Peckler & Michael Spencer Cecilia Hernández Aguirre, Amy Coes (Koch Fund) Montevideo, URUGUAY (Groff Fund) Helena & Gerald Peters Sheila & Charles Donahue (Koch Fund) London School Alumni Association of the (Koch Fund) Victorian Society Summer Schools Barbara Powers Craig Lee, Chicago, IL, a PhD Paul E. Duchscherer (Chicago School) student at University of 2015 Financial Statement (Groff & Koch Funds) Delaware Phyllis Quinn Patricia & William Eldredge (Groff Fund) Farrah Varga, San Antonio, (Groff Fund) TX, Museum Director at the Gretchen Redden Mimi Findlay Edward Steves Homestead (Newport School) (Groff Fund) House Museum Richard Reutlinger Vivian Fisher Shannon Grayson, Evansville, (Groff & Koch Funds) (London School) IN, the Gwen Koch Memorial Charles Robertson III Robert Furhoff Scholar (Groff Fund) (Groff Fund) Eszter Máthé , Budapest, Roger Scharmer Nancy & Fred Golden Hungary, the Sibyl McCormac (Groff & Koch Funds) (Groff & Koch Funds) Groff Scholar Kathleen Skolnik William Grass (Groff Fund) Newport School Sibyl McCormac Groff Kristine Steensma (Koch Fund) Roger Reid, San Francisco, CA, Wilson Stiles president of the Victorian Lucia Howard (Groff Fund) Alliance in San Francisco Adam Klafter Joseph Svehlak Erin Que, St. Louis, MO, David Lamdin (Groff & Koch Funds) completed a summer job with (Groff Fund) the Newport Restoration Allan & Angela Vagner Foundation and a recent MA Geoff & Elizabeth Leckie (Koch Fund) (Groff Fund) graduate from the University of Richard Guy Wilson Virginia, the Gretchen Redden Sarah Lichtman (Koch Fund) Scholar (Koch Fund) William Wilson Emily Daniel is a graduate John A. Martine Victoria Young student at Smithsonian-George (Groff & Koch Funds) (Groff Fund) Mason University, the Mary Anne Hunting Scholar

3 2017 Summer Schools

37TH ANNUAL NEWPORT SUMMER SCHOOL, Rhode Island June 2-11, 2017 3RD ANNUAL CHICAGO SUMMER SCHOOL June 15-20, 2017 42ND ANNUAL LONDON SUMMER SCHOOL July 7-15, 2017 Applications are accepted now through March 2017. Thanks to the generous donations by the Alumni Association members and other donors and the Victorian Society Scholarship Fund, full and partial scholarships are available or qualified applicants. Summer School alumni are the best recruiters of applications. Please encourage your colleagues, friends, students or fellow classmates to apply. You can also help by posting Summer School brochures at your institution, speaking about the schools at local universities or hosting a recruitment event. For additional copies of the brochures and applications, please contact: Anne Mallek, Administrator [email protected] (646) 771-7170

4 Central court ceiling, Marshall Fields building, Chicago, Illinois Passing the Torch: Directors of the London Sumer School, Old and New

he Alumni Association’s Welcome to the annual London reception New London Summer Ttook place on July 7, 2016, at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in School Director: Bloomsbury. Through the kind offer Jo Banham of Martin Williams, Public Programs Manager and Newport alumnus 2015, Sotheby’s donated an elegant efore joining the Victorian space in their Bedford Square Society, Jo Banham was townhouse. BHead of the Adult, Students and Creative Industries programmes Alumni, lecturers past and present, in the Learning Department at the current students, and potential ap- Victoria & Albert Museum since plicants gathered to honor outgoing 2006. Previously she was Head of director Ian Cox, and to thank Alan Learning at the National Portrait Crawford and Gavin Stamp who are Gallery, and before that Head of stepping down, after many years, Public Programmes at Tate Britain. as leaders of the Midlands trip. Ian Her curatorial and research positions spoke warmly of his long association have included Curator at Leighton with the Summer School, beginning House, Kensington, Archivist at Interior, Royal Court of Justice as a student in 1991. He noted that Arthur Sanderson & Sons, and the things he learned on the course Curator of historic wallpapers at the continue to enrich his work as an Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. University. She is currently curating educator, and that the friendships an exhibition on William Morris within the Summer School ‘fam- She has edited and written several and the Arts and Crafts Movement ily’ of staff and students have long books on art and design, including for the Juan March Fundacion in endured. About 40 guests were on William Morris & the Middle Ages Madrid and the Museu Nacional in hand to toast Ian, Alan and Gavin, (1986), Victorian Interior Design Barcelona. She is also researching and to welcome incoming Summer (2000), Encyclopedia of Interior a book on The London Art World School director Joanna Banham. Design – 2 vols (2002), and 1680-1980. Many thanks to Martin and to So- Dictionary of Artists Models (2006). theby’s director Prof. Jos Hackforth- Jo divides her time between London Jones for their generous hospitality. She lectures regularly on V&A and Suffolk where she likes to take courses and study days and advantage of visiting some of the Ian is stepping down to pursue other contributes to conferences and oldest churches in England and interests, including research, lectures research seminars on 19th century walking in the exquisite countryside. and travel, but we know he would design. She has taught at BA and Her London hobbies include theatre love to keep in touch with friends MA level for Birkbeck College and —her daughter is a director— and former students. We hope he University College, both University cinema and cooking. Jo assumed will have more speaking engage- of London, the Open University, directorship of the London program ments in the United States! and Manchester Metropolitan in September, 2016.

5 The Victorian Society Summer Schools Administrator’s Report on the 2016 Summer Schools Abridged from James Russiello, former VSA Summer School Administrator

Another first this year was the VSA of students, there was a correspond- Summer Schools website’s online ing increase in special requests: application (www.VSASummer- primarily in lodging, which despite Schools.org) that was offered along- a number of improvements for the side the PDF application. This made London and Newport programs was receiving attachments and organiz- the least well ranked item on the ing data into various spreadsheets evaluation forms for London and much easier, and was to insure Newport. the accuracy of information that students input themselves. However, Responses from participants of approximately 50% of the students the 41st London Summer School took advantage of the service. The praised Ian Cox, Gavin Stamp, and remainder PDF and paper applica- Elizabeth Leckie, and were inter- tions received were entered into the ested in the changes that Joanna system by the administrator. Those Barnham would propose. who did take advantage later made corrections to information supplied. The 36th Newport Summer School The evaluation form responses were has a good chance for being consid- mostly positive regarding the appli- ered the most cohesive and friendly cations; however, a few of the older group that has ever attended. On James Russiello students did express frustration with the whole, the class was remarkably the online system (although it was friendly and cooperative. Many unclear if they were referring to the declared their intention to attend tudents attending the New- PDF). More than one commenter more VSA programs and volunteer port, Chicago, and London explained that a family member with local chapters. In all, it is safe Sprograms were residents in had to complete their application. to say that a number of future long- 20 states, the District of Columbia, This frustration may correlate to the term VSA members started with this and Ireland. In addition, Australian, increased average age of the student year’s Newport Summer School. Canadian, Dutch, Indian, Hungar- body this year. ian, and Uruguayan natives also Newport alumni fondly remember attended. Responding to various The trend of couples attending a Prof. Wilson’s interactive game of schedule conflicts, a few students program together that was noticed “Spot Tricky Dick” during Newport who were unable to attend have last year was very pronounced this site visits to find artistic depictions expressed strong desires to attend in year, particularly with the London of architect Richard Morris Hunt 2017. There were 69 students in to- program. One coupled member this (RMH) in his building designs. tal: 44 full paying, and 25 recipients year even attended an additional With Prof. Wilson’s permission, we of $63,375 in scholarship funding program in the same year, which is continued a competition launched that came from $68,553 donations believed to be the first time that a last year where students who found that were pledged by the March 19, student attended two courses the a hidden RMH depiction would 2016 date of the Selection Commit- same year. A related trend this year post their photographs to Instagram tee Meeting, which included dona- was with the increase in full paying with the hashtag #Hunt4RMHunt tions from six chapters. students and an increase in the age (a change following last year’s 6 #Hunt4Hunt tag that was co-opted We similarly had an uptick in likes content of Richard Guy Wilson’s by big game hunters). This became to the VSA’s Facebook page, finally lectures and tours and the access to a much talked about competition breaking 1,000 during the Newport private properties. and resulted in multiple tags. I was course. This is significant because it able to photograph and Photoshop ties summer school participants and The three RGW student assistants a group photo in front of the Isaac importantly their friends to not only this year are singled out for Bell House and get it to Dr. Laurie the activities of the summer schools particular praise: Erin Que, Mical Ossman for the Preservation Society but to the greater VSA. From Tawney, and D. Neal Wright. All of Newport County’s “Wow of the reviews, the Newport course again were excellent and incredibly helpful Day,” an email that is sent out of overwhelmingly exceeded expecta- to me. They assisted with the usual and to the Preservation Society’s tions in terms of scope, planning, operations, shepherded the large 10,000 followers. While the result- and selection of fellow participants, group between sites, and Erin even ing email did not include the VSA’s with just under half of respondents conducted interviews with students website, it did mention the program expressing frustration that the and posted these and some photos by name and praise the course, course schedule was too intense. to Facebook each night. resulting in some well deserved posi- Singled out for particular praise tive press. were, as usual, the scheduling and REPORT Continued on page 12

Call for PaPers

Nineteenth Century magazine is the peer-reviewed journal of The Victorian Society in America. Scholarly submissions are encouraged in the fields of cultural and social history of the United States dating from 1837 to 1917. Nineteenth Century publishes regular features reflecting current research on architecture, fine arts, decorative arts, interior design, landscape architecture, biography and photography.

Guidelines for Submissions Submissions should be from 2,000 to 6,000 words in length, with illustratons and end notes as necessary. Submissions should be in a Microsof Word document. Illustratons should be formated as .jpg, .tff, .eps or .pdf, 300 dpi or greater, and submited by January 1 for publicaton in the Spring issue, and July 1 for publicaton in the Fall issue. Manuscripts shall conform to the latest editon of the Chicago Manual of Style. It shall be the responsibility of the author to secure the rights to publish all images. The Victorian Society in America and the editors assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of any material.

Email submissions to: Warren Ashworth, Editor [email protected]

7 London Summer School, 2016 A Golden Ticket to Victorian England By Christopher J. McGeorge

invested in Victorian art and litera- I initially found myself perplexed by ture since I first began taking college the amount of Gothic architecture courses at North Central Michigan and the number of churches we College in 2003. The rich itinerary examined. Weeks after the program of the Victorian Society London ended, while in the archives research- Summer School synthesized many of ing for my dissertation, I came across the materials, objects, and ideas I’ve a paper by J. P. Seddon, read in encountered in my thirteen years of October 1872 to the Leeds Mechan- study while also exposing me to new ics’ Institution. Seddon provided the places, historical figures, and inter- perfect justification for the number esting works of art and architecture of churches we had toured along I had either not encountered or not with the amount of pointed arches paid enough attention to in the past. we saw. Seddon not only argued that church architecture had driven all The summer school provides engag- Victorian civic architecture, but also ing instructors and lively, produc- that the Gothic style provided the Author Christopher J. McGeorge in front tive discussion with other invested most complete language available for of Exeter College Chapel, Oxford students, but the real value of the articulating ideas through architec- course of study lies in the number of ture. He asserted that it was church places you collectively visit, particu- architecture that was responsible t’s Sunday, July 10. For the larly places outside of London. This for keeping the art of architecture past eight days I’ve been with geographic diversity allowed me to alive at all. He even claimed it was Inineteen other students in Eng- walk away with a much less Lon- impossible to communicate in a new land, swooping through museums, don-centric perception of Victorian style: “literary men might as well ask clambering through historic houses art, architecture, and design. We for a new alphabet...We have, in fact, and palaces, and furiously filling gained insight on different religious learned to read and spell in it [the notebooks with information. Ian practices as we discussed how local Gothic]; and the question now is, Cox sets a punishing pace; the num- communities, politics, and religious how, as authors, we ought to say that ber of things I have seen are already concerns affected the architecture, which is to be said in each particular beginning to blur and I keep return- decoration, and design of the leading case.” As I sat thinking through the ing to my notes and the alarming Christian sects. From Methodist various Gothic revival buildings we number of photos I’ve taken to recall Halls to Unitarian mural motifs, we had toured, from the Houses of Par- all of the places I’ve seen. We are in were able to compare these decora- liament and to St. Chad’s, I appreci- Liverpool, speed walking to keep up tive and architectural programs with ated Seddon’s view. with Gavin Stamp, a veritable Willy those of Catholicism and the Church Wonka of Victorian architecture, of England. The program provided While Seddon would only give his as one of my colleagues has quietly a crucial geography of all of these attention to the Gothic, it is unfair observed. I can’t help but agree, feel- visual practices—a geography that to think the same of the Summer ing as though we’ve all won a golden has to be travelled to be fully under- School. Ian Cox, along with a host ticket on this pilgrimage to Victorian stood. It emphasized and articulated of amazing lecturers and guides, architecture and design. the way art, architecture, design, brought into focus the way styles and and location are all tied to local and tastes were not isolated in discrete I’m a Ph.D. student in Art History national political movements and movements, but mixed throughout at the University of Southern Cali- religious beliefs. This is no mean feat private collections (as we saw in Sud- fornia and I’ve been intellectually for two short weeks. ley House), public buildings (such 8 as the Northampton Guild Hall or it became increasingly popularized, St. George’s Hall, Liverpool), and a movement G. F. Watts credited new exhibition spaces (like the rise Benjamin Robert Haydon for cham- of the art museums and galleries of pioning. The massive increase in the Birmingham, Manchester, and Liv- construction of public buildings and erpool). From artists’ houses, private churches, along with the redecora- collections, country estates and poor tion of churches spurred on by the housing to public buildings, govern- Cambridge Society and Oxford ment offices, and various churches, Movement, were central to these de- we explored the full range of Vic- bates about art and its publics. Key torian art, architecture, and design. buildings where these ideas were first Seeing this variety of styles and tastes visually articulated and tested, such manifested in an array of private as the Palace of Westminster, and key and public spaces was precisely why writers and artists who supported I pursued the Victorian Society them, such as G. F. Watts, were also London Summer School. I knew this featured in the summer school. exposure would broaden my perspec- St. Pancras Station tive on Victorian visual culture and On the first day, Ian Cox lectured strengthen my research. on new technologies for making sculpture miniature, such as Benja- only large scale pictures in the forms My dissertation is on Victorian art min Cheverton’s reducing machine of murals and stained glass, but also for the public. I’m interested in that could reproduce sculptures tiles, mosaics, and sculpture. It was a debates about what form art should to one third their original size. I testament to the power of visual in- take when intended for mass audi- couldn’t help but see a correla- struction; it proved to be an invalu- ences. Is the public for art a com- tion between my own interest in able experience that contextualized mercial one, or should art for the monumental pictorial works and the my objects of study in a way reading masses be free? What is the differ- reproduction of art works in print. had not. ence between art for the public and Size played a central role in many public art? Is it monumental, or Victorian arguments about art for In addition to the lessons learned small, in black and white or in color? the public. From Benjamin Robert by seeing so much, I greatly ben- How was art positioned as a form Haydon and G. F. Watts to Prince efitted by discussing my interests of communication in a modern, Albert and the Fine Arts Committee as we toured throughout England. industrialized England? These are for the redecoration of the Houses Buildings where ideas about public all questions about the role of art as of Parliament, monumental pictorial art were articulated and tested, as art was frequently cited as critical well as the people who championed for educating the masses. It was also particular forms, such as murals, fu- seen as a sure way of increasing the eled many of the conversations I had national quality of art and design. with classmates and instructors as I have come across many of these we progressed through the program. theories about size and its appropri- Indeed, I owe great thanks to Joanna ateness for conveying grand messages Banham for making me look closer about history, chivalry, justice, and at Watts and his writings about other morals, values, and virtues murals, and to Clare Hartwell for central to an enlightened empire. encouraging me to look more closely But it is a very different thing to read at Rochdale Town Hall. Both Watts it than to see it, particularly when and Rochdale are now central to a seeing it involves being confronted conference paper I am presenting in by that same idea played out across late October this year. multiple media. The itinerary of the Victorian Society London Summer Half way through the program the School continually put these types aches started to set in, vanquished All Saints’ Margaret Street of work before us, presenting not GOLDEN TICKETContinued on page 12 9 Newport Summer School, 2016

a Nutshell: People, While I marveled at many things The People Pediments, and Pineapples while looking up during the While the itinerary is exceptional, by Erin Que Summer School, from patterned the experience would not be the ceilings to cavernous atria, I found same without the people. From the It is incredibly hard not to fall in equally compelling reasons to look guides and gracious homeowners to love with Newport and what better down. For example, from the upper friends you make along the way, the way to experience this architec- floor in Trinity Church, you can see program attracts a wonderful diver- tural mecca than with the Victorian the patchwork design made by the sity of participants with a mutual Society in America’s Summer School pew boxes, which are upholstered love for design that is unbeatable. program? As a graduate student at and decorated according to the Our class included a lawyer-turned- the University of Virginia studying tastes of the family who sits there. lighting expert, a silver specialist architectural history, I knew that my Or, the view of the harbor from at Sotheby’s, historic site admin- educational experience would have the rooftop of the Elms and the istrators, an interior designer, and been incomplete without attending rear patio at Beacon Rock, which a façade restoration professional, the Summer School program with reminds you of the city’s longtime to name a few. During lectures, Richard Guy Wilson. I was thrilled maritime history and its reliance on chats over meals, and on-site, it was to join the Class of 2016 and, after the sea for many industries. Or, a incredible to learn from each other’s about 74,000 steps in nine days, live simple view peering down at your questions and see a house or an to tell the tale. new colleagues from atop the Moon object from different classmates’ per- Gate at Chateau-sur-Mer. Newport spectives. On Day 1, we were at the The American Institute of is full of so many stories, and nine Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and Architects started a public awareness days is really not enough to capture my roommate for the week, Emily, campaign some time ago in which them all (although it certainly makes pulled out her textile magnifying it encouraged people to look up. a good dent!). glass to examine the stitching on the quilt on the bed upstairs. If someone had a lighting question, we knew we could go to Keith. For the graduate students in the group, it was reward- ing to see sites in person that we had previously only seen on slides in class, whether of the Shingle Style Isaac Bell House (my personal favor- ite!) or Jules Allard’s interiors.

Walking around Newport today, it is hard to imagine it 70 years ago before Katherine Warren and Doris Duke inspired the effort to turn things around. They changed the culture and nurtured an atti- tude that this place matters and the community must be a good steward of its built resources. The work is Pediment and Flags at Hunter House, Newport, RI never-ending and often met with 10 contention, but the end result makes day in Providence and I was mes- it worth it. This spirit continues to- merized yet again with the painted day and we were fortunate to be able ceilings and walls at the Governor to view the Newport Congregational Henry Lippitt House Museum. An- Church, currently undergoing res- other example is the Samuel Tilton toration. Although it has a long way House, which features a main stair- to go, that the intricately painted case and entry similar to, but also ceilings and north wall as well as the different from, the Isaac Bell House. Tiffany lamp have remained intact is The Victorian era in Newport was amazing. This spot was the biggest a time of experimentation as well as surprise of the trip and a reminder master craftsmanship. that the city has numerous other hidden gems up its sleeve. And last, but not least, the Pineapples The Pediments (and other motifs) Pineapples — a symbol of wealth A favorite tidbit from Newport lore and hospitality — can be found all Reflections on the is the infamous story of Charles Mc- over Newport. They are not as ubiq- VSA 2016 Newport Kim cavalierly ripping the pediment uitous as the sea waves and other sea Summer School off of the Hunter House and mov- creatures, but they are memorable By Anna Rasche ing it to the Dennis House. Walking nonetheless. I first spotted one on around the Point, I loved seeing the an entryway in which the doorbell In summary: what people, what different styles of pediments as well was a pineapple and the door itself places, what fun! as entrance details. From a fish- featured a large pineapple. It only shaped mail slot and shell-shaped takes one sighting and you start to When my graduate school advisor doorknockers to the rusticated wood see them everywhere, atop columns first suggested I apply to the VSA of the Vernon House and Redwood flanking a driveway or embroidered Newport Summer School, I couldn’t Library and the Red House-esque into the curtains at the C.H. Bald- believe I had never heard about it sunflower windows in the William win House, for instance. That famed before. Hanging out with a bunch Watts Sherman House, it’s all about pediment at the Hunter House? It of other nineteenth-century nerds in the details. has a pineapple between the broken a classic New England resort town? sides. Sign me up! “Finally,” I thought, “a Lectures reinforced tours and each group of peers whose eyes won’t glaze day would build on the next. More The Victorian Society in America over as I excitedly discuss the minutia often than onot, something would Summer School offered me an of the Etruscan revival demi-paru- pop up that reminded you of anoth- excellent crash course in nineteenth res.” I awaited June 2nd with antici- er site you had seen on a previous century architecture, which has been pation. When the day finally arrived, day. In some cases, it was because undoubtedly helpful in my work as I pondered how my transportation the same architect or designer had a historic preservation consultant from New York City to Newport (a worked on both locations. In other in Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Our tortuously traffic-y trek up 95 North) cases, it was because this treatment famed Summit Avenue is similar to was significantly less glamorous than or this object was fashionable and Bellevue Avenue and also a product the steamships and yachts of the the elite classes were choosing to of the Victorian age and my experi- Victorian elite. But, I did my best to participate in this particular expres- ences in Newport have expanded get into a Gilded Age state of mind sion of their wealth and status. The my understanding the Victorian by listening to Edith Wharton’s Age Villa Marina/Sanford-Covell House age elsewhere in the country. The of Innocence on tape. Upon arrival was an absolute highlight of the historical context, the exposure to at the VSA’s Newport home base—a trip. In part, this is because of the so many designers’ work, and the big, lovely old summer cottage built spectacular view and Coquette, the thoughtful conversations among in the shadow of The Breakers—I resident poodle. But also, the gilded new colleagues-turned-friends were immediately knew I belonged (and and painted ceiling details are stun- invaluable and unforgettable. Until not just because a pizza party was ning with their rich colors and var- next time, Newport! happening). Between mouthfuls of ied geometries. Fast forward to our REFLECTIONS Continuted on page 12 11 REFLECTIONS Continued from page 11 us through a seemingly endless string Coming in with my jewelry-specific Newport’s finest pies, I learned that of fantastic Victorian buildings. background, it was quite enlighten- my two-dozen-or-so new comrades Everyday we battled sore feet as we ing to find motifs I was used to see- all seemed to come to the Summer marched through a slew of important ing rendered in platinum and pearls School from totally unique and American interiors. Every night we being produced on a far grander fascinating backgrounds. Our group feasted at wine and cheese receptions. scale as architecture and interiors by consisted of architects, archivists, art- It was basically Valhalla for decorative people like McKim, Mead & White ists, and everyone in between. There arts historians. and Ogden Codman. The onsite were curators and enthusiasts, design- observations were complimented by ers and graduate students, and a But, life’s not all wine and cheese, and wonderful lectures that, though the paper conservationist who once spent as a jewelry historian in the midst of topics centered around our activities a decade removing erroneous Scotch an MA thesis, I came to Newport in Newport, ended up contributing tape from the records of Massachu- with some serious academic objec- greatly to my understanding of the setts Bay Colony. There were special- tives. What I was really hoping to gain current landscape of good old New ists of lighting fixtures, fine silver, was more nuanced understanding of York City. “Did you know,” I now textiles and photography. People who the lifestyle of those elite Victorian tell my friends as I walk past The had travelled to Rhode Island from patrons who bought diamonds by the Met, “that this was designed by Rich- their jobs at house museums, historic dozens from fancy 5th Avenue firms. ard Morris Hunt?” “Yes,” they say graveyards and even a castle in Hol- The rigid social structures in which patiently, “you told us last that time land. It was a swell crowd. The jovial these jewels were given and received, we were here.” And you know what, mood apparent on that first night and the backdrops against which they however much it may annoy other remained for the rest of the trip, as were worn slowly revealed themselves people, I don’t think I’ll stop talking our fearless leader, historic preserva- as I studied the ballroom at Marble about the Newport Summer School tionist Richard Guy Wilson, brought House and the gardens at the Elms. for a long time to come.

GOLDEN TICKET Continued from page 9 only by the next Victorian delight we encountered or, failing that, a pint, a cup of coffee, or a spot of tea. Even after extended travel and packed schedules, by the end we still gathered in hotel lobbies in the early morning, eager to take optional walking tours along canals and past the Ancoats Mill of Manchester with Gavin Stamp or to see the magnifi- cent interiors of All Saints’, Margaret Street near Oxford Circus with Ian Cox. As we capped off the experi- ence, flying high above the city in the London Eye, all we’d learned began to settle in. The panoptic, elevated view, turned golden by sun- set, brings to mind the Willy Wonka comment from earlier in the course. I may not have won a chocolate empire, but encased in a pod of the great glass elevator with a new un- derstanding of all of London that lay before me, I may as well have. Interior, All Saints’ Margaret Street 12 Chicago Summer School, 2016 Rooms for Rest in the Victorian Commercial Landscape By Noël Harris

ave you ever pondered and private offices. These were consumer world by inventing the why public toilets are highly gendered spaces, none of activity of “shopping.” For the first Hreferred to as “rest rooms?” which were noted as being intended time patrons of retail establishments Some people mistakenly call them particularly for the use of women. could mingle amongst the goods, “bath” rooms, but if intended liter- rather than relying on sales clerks to ally, such a space must include a During Chicago’s skyscraper build- remove items from high shelves, and bathtub. Water closets were created ing boom following the Great Fire, secret drawers for discrimination. and named so in the mid-eighteenth women entered the workforce in un- century precisely for the purpose precedented numbers. By the 1880s The female patrons of department of privately answering the “call of women attended steno-schools, stores came in droves. Shopping was nature.” To the Victorians however, learning to operate typewriters, a very public, and potentially social restrooms, a term coined in 1856, flooding Chicago’s office buildings as activity, but provided a respectable indicate a space for semi-private stenographer-typists. However, archi- environment for women to interact repose. Talks given by scholars Jen tects who designed office buildings with the outside world. One might Masengarb and Jennifer Carlquist did not originally anticipate female meet friends to shop, or arrive in a at the Victorian Society in America’s workers when conceiving their group. Female shoppers found the Chicago Summer School provided designs. Because early office build- activity exhausting. The many floors illuminating histories of the re- ings did not accommodate women, of stores like Marshall Field’s meant stroom. Most remarkably these entrepreuses opened private rooms in many miles of wandering to enjoy scholars unraveled how restrooms rented apartment space in the Loop all of the housewares, textiles, and transformed the way women navi- offering them to female workers at foodstuffs on offer. Once in need of gated the commercial landscape of a fee. These apartments provided refreshment tearooms, restaurants, the late nineteenth century. private restrooms, spaces that invited and “rest rooms” provided a break women to relax, eat, take a bit of from commerce. Both men and Jen Masengarb, Director of Interpre- tea, and retreat from the male arena. women patronized dining rooms, tation and Research at the Chicago Once the work accomplished by but other spaces like rest rooms were Architecture Foundation, looked for women increased in value, female rest intended for women only. ways to learn more about the experi- areas were considered a necessity. Of- ence of Victorian women in Chi- fice building designs then sought to Female descendants of these shoppers cago, specifically women working accommodate female workers, with and stenographers went on to make in office environments. When she ladies toilets and lunchrooms added. the female’s presence in America felt examined floor plans for buildings in far more obvious ways. The histor- like the Masonic Temple, she saw Similarly, Jennifer Carlquist’s ical weight of running for public of- workspaces for draftsmen, couri- research explained the evolution of fice, starting business enterprises, and ers, cleaners, and executives, roles department stores, and the impact lobbying for sweeping social reforms that employed men. Each floor had female shoppers made on commer- certainly bears more heft than retail small closets containing toilets for cial spaces. While Carlquist, who is spending and secretarial work. But the male employees; wall-mounted Curator at Boscobel House and Gar- as Masengarb and Carlquist detailed, sinks hung outside the closets. The dens, focused largely on commercial the impact of early stenographers and 1891 Ashland Block included a large behemoths like Marshall Field’s shoppers transformed the modern “Gent’s Toilet” located off the Bar- Department Store, Carlquist also material world, the way buildings ber Shop, but no spaces for women. examined the small town depart- were conceived, maneuvered, and Within the plans Masengarb also ment store experience. Stores like used, simply by publicly participating saw lunchrooms, smoking rooms, Marshall Field’s revolutionized the in the world of commerce. 13 modern people. Wagner’s designs combined technical and construc- tional functionality with high aesthetic criteria. Despite his many adversaries and diappointments, Otto Wagner was one of Vienna’s most successful architects. His Post Office Savings Bank and the Church in Steinhof are key buildings of European archi- tecture around 1900. As the general planner of the Vienna Stadtbahn (the light urban railway), he de- signed a Gesamtkunstwerk of con- structional technology, a synthesis of Vienna Military History Museum the arts that added new accents to the cityscape. Alumni Association of the VSSS Wagner was also an incisive and Study Tour to Vienna, 2016 polemic author. Although advanced in age, in his study “The Expand- By David Lamdin ing City” he continued to develop radical ideas for a future mega-city, regulated and laid out according to practical requirements. ore than two dozen local restaurant where we had our alumni of the Victorian first night dinner of Wiener Schnit- The next several days included MSociety Summer Schools zel. We met out local tour leader, walking tours of the many signifi- traveled from all around the country Christian Witt-Dorring, a fellow cant buildings within the Vienna to meet in Vienna, Austria on Sept. VSA SS alumnus, who discussed Inner Ring including an exclusive 21 for the start of a week long study the cultural history of Vienna. He guided tour of the Liechtenstein tour. Our accommodations at the discussed the philosophy and works Palace, a special presentation at the Hotel Motel One were very good, of Otto Wagner (1841-1918) who Lobmeyr glass shop, the Secession especially since it is located about was an Austro-Hungarian architect Building, the Parliament Build- a block from the Opera House and and urban planner, known for his ing, the Albertine Museum, the great for walking around the old lasting impact on the appearance of Austrian Museum of Applied Arts inner city. his home town Vienna, to which he (MAK), and many significant contributed many landmarks which churches. We were fortunate to find The Opera House was the first ma- we subsequently had the honor of the works of Gustav Klimt in many jor building on the Ring, the former visiting. locations throughout Vienna. location of the old city walls. Work commenced on the house in 1861 Otto Wagner, “artist of building”, The architect chosen for the and was completed in 1869, follow- urban planning theorist and acad- Secession Building was Josef Olbrich, ing plans drawn up by architects Au- emy professor, was one of the great a young pupil of Otto Wagner gust Sicard von Sicardsburg and Ed- pioneers of the Viennese modern and one of only three architects uard van der Nüll. It was built in movement. He left the “Gründer- (Josef Hoffmann, and Mayreder) the Neo-Renaissance style by the zeit” (the period of industrial and who had joined the Secession. His renowned Czech architect and cultural expansion in the late nine- design, a white windowless facade, contractor Josef Hlávka. teenth century) and its mask-like foreshadows Bauhaus. Originally historicism behind him to propagate nicknamed ‘Mahdi’s Tomb’ or the A short walk through the old city a new form of architecture, more in ‘Assyrian convenience, it was not took us to Griechenbeisi, a great keeping with the life and times of VIENNA Continued on page 17 14 2016 Alumni Study tour of Vienna Budapest Redux!

fter completing our suc- instrumental in organizing our 1998 it seems a natural possibility. This cessful Alumni Study tour Alumni Tour, so it was especially would take a lot of work on the part Aof Vienna, five of us took a exciting to see them once again. In of the Alumni Association but I quick side trip to Budapest before addition, they organized two days of believe it could generate a great deal returning stateside. Sibyl Groff, Jeff tours for us during our brief stay so of interest and excitement. In a nut- Sholeen and myself had attended it was a great treat to revisit a few of shell, each “host city” would need the Alumni Study Tour to Hungary the highlights from our 1998 study to come up with financial resources in 1998 so for the three of us, it was tour. to cover the costs. I believe the end a nostalgic return to that great city. result would be well worth the effort Nancy Kent and David Lamdin had And that brings me to the main in promoting the Summer Schools never been to Budapest, so it was point I wish to make. Thinking and the special Alumni Study Tours exciting to share the few days with about this recent trip to Budapest that are so important in raising the them. I thought it would be a great idea much needed scholarship funds. to bring a few of these architectural The best part of our brief visit, historians to the states for a bit of an I will be happy to coordinate this however, was the very warm and old fashioned “whirlwind” lecture effort, so if there are any alumni welcoming reception we received tour to a few of our American cities. interested in pursuing this with me, from our Hungarian Alumni. Of Hungarian architecture, especially of please contact me at my email ad- the five that joined us for a dinner our period of interest, is so unique dress: [email protected]” jmar- one evening, three of them, Ferenc and so completely unknown, for [email protected] or call me on my Bor, Jozsef Siza and Pal Ritook, were the most part by many of us, that cell phone at 412.303.3710.

Top row, left to right: Wagner Postparkasse; group on the steps of the Secession Building; Lobmeyer shop; Otto Wagner tube stop. Bottom row: unidentified, the Prunksaal in the Hofburg; The Belvedere 15 Summer School Scholars 2016

Newport Summer School Mrs. Catherine Acosta, Brooklyn, NY Dr. Cristina Ashjian, Moultonborough, NH Mr. John Blazer, Columbus, OH Mr. Bert Boer, Muiden, The Netherlands Mr. William Canup, Brooklyn, NY Mr. Atiyah Curmally, Washington, DC Ms. Emily Daniel, Arlington, VA Ms. Sara Durkacs, Brooklyn, NY Mrs. Jill Gabriele, New York City, NY Mrs. Dona Gibbs, West Palm Beach, FL, & Middletown, Rl (Commuting Student) Ms. Laurel Goetzinger, Indianapolis, IN Mr. James Gonzalez, Redwood City, CA Ms. Barbara Gordon, Oak Park, IL 2016 Chicaco Summer School Scholars Ms. Christine Hauck, Hartland, Vf Mr. Keith Letsche, West Chicago, IL Mrs. Nancy Welcher, Savannnah, GA Ms. Emily Larson, East Troy, WI Mr. Joseph Logan, Winston-Salem, NC Mr. Davey Wright, Palmyra, VA Mr. John Martine, Pittsburgh, PA Ms. Joan Lombardi, Powell, OH Ms. Marsha Zeagler, Guyton, GA Mr. Duane Myers, Evansville, IN Mr. Chris Mathias, Nahant, MA Ms. Laura Parrish, Wilmington, DE Ms. Alessandra Merrill, Brooklyn, NY Chicago Summer School Ms. Hana Thomson, Long Island City, NY Ms. Sarah Mezzino, Lawrenceville, NJ Ms. Cindy Casey, San Francisco, CA Mr. Richard Tuck, San Francisco, CA Mr. John Mitchell, Savannah, GA Ms. Maureen Crilly, Astoria, NY Mrs. Jane Villa, Chicago, IL (Commuting Student) Ms. Branwen (Brandy) Norris, Mrs. Krisanne Crosby, Richmond, VA Ms. Linda Weld, Milton, MA Washington, DC Ms. Heather Fearnbach, Mr. Stephen Wohleber, Britt, Mr. Stephen Parnes, Frederick, MD Winston-Salem, NC Ontario, Canada Ms. Erin Que, Charlottesville, VA Miss Sunni Goodson, Blackrock, Co. Miss. Anna Rasche, New York, NY Dublin, Ireland London Summer School Mr. Roger Reid, San Francisco, CA Ms. Noel Harris, Nashville, TN Dr. Carmel Black, Mount Nebo, Mr. Roger Smith, Savannah, GA Mrs. Susan Hellman, Alexandria, VA Queensland, Australia Ms. Mical Tawney, Charlottesville, VA Ms. Cecilia Hernandez Aguirre, Ms. Heidi Cassells, Wyckoff, NJ Mr. Kenneth Turino, Nahant, MA Montevideo, Uruguay Mr. Murray Baxter Craven, Charlottesville, VA Miss Shannon Grayson, Evansville, IN Ms. Nancy Kilpatrick, Arlington, VA Ms. Ariel Kline, Williamstown, MA Mr. Craig Lee, Chicago, IL Miss Eszter Mathe, Budapest, Hungary Ms. Purnima McCutcheon, Honolulu, HI Mr. Christopher McGeorge, Los Angeles, CA Mr. John McHugh, Cincinnati, OH Miss Alexis Mucha, New York, NY Ms. Hilda Regier, New York, NY Ms. Janet Self, Cincinnati, OH Mr. Marc Speroni, Worcester, MA Ms. Farrah Varga, San Antonio, TX Mr. David Vespa, Arlington, VA 2016 London Mr. Charles Villa, Madison, WI Summer School Mrs. Jane Villa, Madison, WI Scholars Ms. Lizabeth Wardzinski, Raleigh, NC 16 VIENNA Cont’inued from page 14 cuisine and a real feel for how the The ideals of the Vienna Secession until the gold cupola was in place locals live. eventually led Hoffmann to the that the most famous of nicknames founding of the Wiener Werkstätte was coined; ‘The golden cabbage.’ We were very fortunate to visit the in 1903. Using Gesamtkunstwerk Like Klimt, Olbrich incorporated private home of Dr. Ernst Ploil to (meaning the total work of art) as references to classical antiquity in view his collection of works by Josef its mission statement, the Wiener the owl and gorgon (medussa heads) Hoffmann, a Austrian designer who Werkstätte sought to incorporate all decorative motifs. Signifying the possessed an unmistakable minimal elements of life into one cohesive attributes of Athena; the goddess of style and who was a pioneer of the composition, unifying architec- wisdom and victory, Olbrich makes arts and crafts movement in the ture and interior design. With the her both a liberator and guardian of early 1900’s. As modernity began to recognition of the craftsman being the arts. question tradition at the end of the just as important as the artist in the 1800’s, so did designers like Joseph creation of materials, Hoffmann Bus tours took us outside the Ring to Hoffman. Along with other great turned out furniture and other visit the Villa Wagner, the Military artistic minds like Gustav Klimt and home commodities that were both History Museum, and the Upper Koloman Moser, Hoffman led the hand crafted and mass-produced. Belvedere Palace, among others. way with the Vienna Secession, a Several included lunches at local movement that aimed to steer design Free time allowed us to visit some of beer gardens and restaurants were away from Historicism and create a the numerous museums in Vienna great providing wonderful local new style that was all its own. and several dinners “on our own” allowed us to sample some of the wonderful restaurants that Vienna has to offer. We were blessed by incredibly beautiful weather during our stay in Vienna.

At the farewell dinner, kudos were given to our tour leader who worked so hard to not only show us the sights, but to explain the buildings in context of architectural history in Vienna and the Secession movement. Many thanks were also expressed to John Martine who organized this tour. His tireless efforts ensured an excellent experience for those on the tour and ensured that needed funds for the Alumni Association’s scholarship Tube Station in Vienna by Otto Wagner funds were obtained.

REPORT Continued from page 7 the architecture, design, and recommended by preservation and Architecture and preservation preservation history on display. history students. Decorative arts buffs were pleasantly surprised Again, there was a great deal of students appeared to be split on the by how much they learned dissatisfaction by the general admittedly cluttered site. Lectures about the decorative arts; while interest and mature students and access to private sites remained conversely decorative art and social with the visit to Cloud Hill, at the top of the list of value added historians likewise appreciated whereas that site visit was highly to the program.

17 Alumni News

Kathryn Burton (London, ’13) Laura A. Macaluso published Art Accepted the position of Site of the Amistad and the Portrait Manager at the Frank Lloyd of Cinqué, a monograph for the Wright designed Gordon House American Association of State and in Silverton, OR. The Gordon Local History Series published House is the only FLW designed by Rowman & Littlefield (March building in Oregon and the 2016). She received a PhD from the only FLW structure open to the Humanities/Cultural and Historic public for tours in the Pacific Preservation departments at Salve Northwest. thegordonhouse.org. Regina University (May 2016).

Margaret Denny (London 2009) Keith Letsche (Newport, ’16) published an essay “Mrs. Albert Published an article, “A Genteel Broom’s Interesting “Snapshot” Preference? Moderator Lamps Postcards” in Soldiers & in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Suffragettes: The Photography of Innocence,” in the December 2016 Christina Broom, London: Philip issue of The Rushlight, based upon Winston Publishers/Exhibition an assigned reading and the interiors Catalogue – Museum of London of the residences toured. 2015. Laura A. Macaluso published Art Craig Gibson (London ’08) My of the Amistad and the Portrait current project is acting as a project of Cinqué, a monograph for the manager for a major renovation and American Association of State and facade restoration of the Woolworth Local History Series published Building. We are converting floors by Rowman & Littlefield (March the Sun Cellar and the 29th through 2016). She received a PhD from the 58th floors from office space the Humanities/Cultural and Historic high end condominiums. The work Preservation departments at Salve includes raising set back roofs and Regina University (May 2016). as part of the facade restoration we are replacing over 3,500 terra-cotta John A. Martine AIA (London stones along with repairing countless ’79, Newport ’07: In addition others. to organizing the very successful Fall [2016] Alumni Study Tour to Beth Krase Greene (London Vienna, Austria, John has been very 2013) has retired from as the busy at his architectural firm, Strada. Senior Environmental Planner/ The firm has recently completed Architectural Historian with three hotels utilizing historic tax the California Department of credits, two in Pittsburgh and one Transportation with the California in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Department of Transportation. She A Kimpton Hotel in Pittsburgh is looking forward to having more was the former Duquesne Light time to study historic buildings and Company headquarters and interiors. received a Preservation Honor award from AIA Pittsburgh. The

18 other Pittsburgh project is the Charles Robertson (London ’03) in antiquity and how this interest Drury Hotel in the former Art American Louvre: A History of the was expressed through the two Deco Federal Reserve Building. Renwick Gallery Building by Charles remarkable studio houses he created The newly completed Kimpton J. Robertson published in November in the London neighborhood of St. in North Carolina was the former 2016 on the occasion of the re- John’s Wood together with his wife headquarters of the R.J. Reynolds opening of the building after a Laura and his two daughters. Born Tobacco Company Headquarters 3-year $30 million restoration. The in the north of the Netherlands, in another Art Deco building by building was the original Corcoran Alma-Tadema was trained in the architects of the Empire State Gallery of Art designed by James Belgium and moved in 1870 to Building. William F. Lamb from Renwick, Jr. in 1859 and is now London, where he established the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb a branch of the Smithsonian a highly successful career at the and Harmon was the principal American Art Museum. The book is heart of the artistic establishment, designer. This building was the basis available on Amazon. producing work that did much to fix of design for the more famous New ideas in the popular imagination of York Landmark. Terry Tatum (Newport 2007, what life in the ancient past ‘looked London 1997) retired in 2014 like’—images that were taken up on Sarah Mezzino (London 07’, as the Director of Research and stage and in film and that remain Newport 16’) I have an article on Senior Historian for the Historic with us today. The exhibition and an LC Tiffany Memorial Window Preservation Division, City of its international tour have been that’s slated to be published this Chicago. Since then, he has worked organized by the Fries Museum spring 2017 in The Lawrenceville as a preservation consultant while in Leeuwarden (Friesland), where School’s alumni magazine, The continuing as adjunct faculty at Alma-Tadema lived as a boy. Lawrentian. At present, the article the School of The Art Institute of is titled, “Whither the ‘Missing’ Chicago and Columbia College Co-edited by co-curators Peter Window? After a pair of century-old Chicago. Trippi and Elizabeth Prettejohn, the clues, a search for a missing Tiffany accompanying publication contains memorial yields an unexpected Sarah Thomas (Newport ’16) contributions by 17 authors result.” accepted as a Winterthur Research and has published by Prestel of Fellow to facilitate research for Munich. The English-language Christopher Pollock (Newport ‘05, her College of William and Mary hardcover edition can be ordered via and London ’11) Christopher has History degree dissertation. Amazon. been appointed by the Recreation and Park Department of the City Hana Thomson (Chicago’16) Here’s where you can see it: and County of San Francisco to be I have made the move from Belvedere, Vienna, Austria (24 their Historian in Residence. Chris’ NYC to Chicago. I now work in February – 18 June 2017); Leighton duties will include researching and the Art History department at House Museum, London, England writing histories of the city’s entire Northwestern University and love (7 July – 29 October 2017). 227 recreation grounds, which attending lectures at the AIA and include parks, playgrounds, mini- seeing Chicago Summer School Stephen Wohleber (Newport ‘07, parks, and open spaces. In 2020 directors regularly. I left my job in Chicago ’16) Stephen recently San Francisco will celebrate the the jewelry industry in NYC and received the “Lieutenant Governor’s 150th anniversary of the inception am still looking for a way to get Ontario Heritage Award for of Golden Gate Park and Chris will involved in antique jewelry and Lifetime Achievement.” be consulting with local museums decorative arts in Chicago. and historical associations on Victoria Young (London 1994, exhibitions and education. Pollock Peter Trippi (London ’92, Newport Newport 1995) chair of the art authored the book San Francisco’s ’05, Chicago ’15) Peter curated the history department and modern Golden Gate Park: A Thousand and exhibition Lawrence Alma-Tadema: architectural history professor at Seventeen Acres of Stories (2001, At Home in Antiquity which explores the University of St. Thomas, was Westwinds), a history of the park the fascination of the artist Lawrence elected Second Vice President of the and all its many attractions. Alma-Tadema (1836–1912) with Society of Architectural Historians the representation of domestic life at their annual meeting in Pasadena 19 on April 7, 2016. Dr. Young will be serving on the executive committee for the next six years, ultimately becoming President of the 3500- member international organization during the last two years of this time frame.

Sibyl McCormac Groff (London ’82) Our favorite Spirited New Yorker, has self-published A New York Christmas: Ho-ho-ho at Gothamtide through Amazon’s Create Space.

This book was inspired through the years by many Victorian Society Summer Schools alumni, including stars like Billie Britz and Gwen Koch, together with John Martine, who did the lovely Christmas illustrations, and editors Sandi D’Andrea and Liz Leckie. The layout and design was by another alumnus, Jonathan Preece. Many other Victorians are also acknowledged. The book can be ordered through Amazon and costs $20. A contribution will be made to Sibyl’s favorite charity, the Jacob A. Riis Settlement House.

In Memoriam Sibyl Groff and Pauline Metcalf Nancy Naeve made a donation to the Alumni Scholarship Fund in memory of her husband Milo B. Naeve, who found the London School valuable and was always grateful for the experience. Staying in Touch

David Findlay died in September lease help the Alumni Association to maximize our fund- 2015 of a massive hemorrhagic ing for Summer Schools scholarships while saving trees stroke. In 1982, David started his Pand postage! The Alumni Association will communicate own gallery, the David Findlay Jr. with members by e-mail as much as possible to reduce the cost Gallery, with a focus on American of mailings. Make sure you receive our e-mails by adjusting your art. He was active in his community, browser(s) so that they do not block the following address: New Canaan, CT and had a life [email protected]. Also please be sure Bob Chapman, long interest in art, architecture and Membership Secretary, has your current e-mail address. antiques.

20 Alumni Association Action List

he Alumni Association is run entirely by volunteers. Its mission is Other Help Needed: to support The Victorian Society Summer Schools and especially to • Serve a three-year term on the Tprovide scholarships for deserving students. Our continuing success board. depends on the dedication and special skills of those who are eager to pitch • Spread the word about the in to help with various projects and to serve on the board. Summer Schools among friends and colleagues. Please contact David Blackburn at [email protected], or at (978) 957- • Like the Alumni on Facebook and 0252 if you are willing to help with the following: to post often on the Alumni site. • Visit the Alumni website: Urgent Need: www.vsaAlumni.org. Bob Chapman is stepping down as the Membership Secretary. The duties • Edit the Alumni’s annual of the Membership Secretary are to encourage, solicit, and record Alumni newsletter which is published Association memberships. This involves developing the cycle of three once a year membership renewal letters sent in January, February and March, sending • Update the Alumni web site. the notices by email or postal mail, keeping the record of the incoming dues • Host a recruitment event for payments, and depositing the money in the bank. The Alumni Association which the Alumni Association will uses the Gnosis membership software. Other tasks: include recording provide $250 to offset the costs. members’ changes of address, answering questions about members’ status the • Arrange special events for alumni status of the renewal campaign, coordinating with the Victorian Society in in connection with an exhibition America’s Business Manager since many Alumni members are also members or lecture at your local museums of the VSA. and galleries.

The Elms, Newport, RI. Your support will help us connect our students to the architectural treasures of Newport! 21 Lost Alumni

e’re eager to keep in touch with all our graduates. Unfortunately we’ve lost contact with the following Walumni. Please let us know if you’re privy to their whereabouts and do let us know if you move by contacting Bob Chapman, Membership Secretary, 111 S. Mountain Avenue, Montclair NJ 07042-1737; (973) 746=0963 • [email protected]

Lynn Alsmeyer-Johnson Nancy Goodman Jerry and Toby Levine Brian Schultes Esther Ames Gina Grillo Jennifer Markas Joseph Sharples Alfred Baucom Nina Harkrader Cheryl Miller Diane Shewchuk Jeffrey Bostetter Neil Harvey Kathy Moses Heather Smith Steven Brisson Marcelene Jeffersonn Christine O’Malley Jan Spak Angela Dason Paula Jones Lawrence Ray Christine Spencer Barbara Ecker Denise Laduca Annette Reese Elizabeth Trach Valija Evalds Barbara Lanctot Judy Richards Eve Waldron Trevor Fairbrother Lori Laqua Tom Rogers Amy Weisser Laura George Catherine Lenix-Hooker Shannon Schaefer Natalie Zmuda Connie Going Philip Leonard Gabrielle Schikler

Alumni Association 2016 Annual Meeting

he Alumni Association’s $21,250 for scholarships to the sponsor all Alumni Annual Meetings Annual Meeting & Dinner 2016 schools. She thanked all except for one. Twere held on Friday April for helping making this possible. 29, 2016 at the home of Martha Membership Secretary Bob On behalf of the Alumni Associa- & John Welborne in the Windsor Chapman provided the membership tion, Director John Martine pre- Square section of downtown Los and financial reports. sented Nancy with a glass bowl from Angeles. Nancy met John on a the Getty Museum and a denim hiking trip in Japan and kept up This was Nancy’s last Annual tote bag from the Adamson House with him over the years. Meeting as president. She stepped in Malibu in appreciation for all she down after 10 years. She recalled did for the Alumni Association. Vic- The attendees were welcomed with how Bill Grasse and Paul Duscherer, torian Society in America President delicious margaritas setting the tone who hosted the Annual Meeting in John Simonelli gave Nancy a New- for the evening, which featured an connection with the VSA’s Annual port Preservation Society scarf also amazing Mexican buffet dinner. Meeting in Napa, inspired her in thanks for service to the Alumni to find hosts in private homes to Association. John and Martha warmly greeted us. John talked about their “Georgian” style house in a residential neighborhood that was developed in Save the Dates! October 6-8, 2017 the 1920s. 2017 Alumni Association Annual Meeting he Alumni Association’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Dinner will be held Nancy Golden presided at the Tin conjunction with the Victorian Society in America’s 2017 Annual Annual Meeting part of the evening Meeting in New York City on October 6-8. The date of the Alumni Asso- sharing the good news that the ciation’s event is to be determined. You will be notified of the details of the Alumni Association provided event as soon as they are known.

22 AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY IN AMERICA

Photos by James Russiello Since 1966, The Victorian Society in America has Benefits of Membership • Symposia and Study Weekends been a leader in the appreciation and preservation Frequently, members gather for a weekend of special study or of this country’s 19th century heritage. Founded as a symposium on a selected topic such as Victorian houses, a companion organization to The Victorian Society hotels and resorts, as well as collectbles. in Great Britain, The Victorian Society in America • Annual Meetng and Tour The annual meetng is held in a locale distnguished for its brings together lovers of Victoriana–old house Victorian heritage and includes tours, receptons, and visits to owners, professional historians, architects, private collectons. collectors, students, museum curators, • Summer Schools preservation organizations, college libraries, art These schools, based in Newport, R.I., and London, England, study facets of 19th / early 20th century architecture and culture. galleries, antique shops, and restoration • Publicatons specialists. Interests are as varied as the era itself. Nineteenth Century magazine is devoted to the cultural and social history during the Victorian era. The Victorian Quarterly newsleter covers actvites and news from our local chapters. 1636 Sansom Street • Preservaton Philadelphia, PA 19103 The Victorian Society engages in efforts to ensure the (215) 636-9872 preservaton and/or restoraton of 19th century buildings throughout the U.S. victoriansociety.org • Chapter Affiliatons Members enjoy an even greater variety of actvites by joining23 both the natonal and a local chapter. The Victorian Society in America Nonprofit Org. 1636 Sansom St. U.S. Postage PAID Philadelphia, PA 19103-5404 San Francisco CA Permit No. 925

Alumni Association of the Victorian Society Summer Schools A Chapter of The Victorian Society in America David Blackburn, President 227 Fox Run, Exton, PA 19341

In this Issue Alumni Association of the Letter from the President 1 Victorian Society Alumni Association 2009 Profit & Loss Statement 2 Summer Schools Summer School Scholarship Donors & Scholars 3 2017 Summer Schools Schedules 4 Passing the Torch: Directors of the London Summer School 5 Administrato’s Report 6 Call for Papers 7 London Summer School, 2016 8 Newport Summer School, 2016 10 Chicago Summer School, 2016 13 Study Tour to Vienna, 2016 14 Budapest Redux! 15 2016 Summer Schools Scholars 16 Alumni News 18 Alumni Association Action List 21 Lost Alumni 22 Annual Meeting 22 Knapp House, Ralph Adams Cram, architect, Fall River, MA Join the Victorian Society in America 23

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