Torcheres Return To Chateau-sur-Mer
WINTER 2011 • NO. 168 A Publication of The Preservation Society of Newport County
WINTER 2011 • ON. 168 page 4 The Cutting Edge 5 Conservation Easement Granted 6 Torcheres Restored 7 Highlights of the Collection 10 History Trail Completed 11 News in Brief 15 Profiles in Preservation Chateau-sur-Mer entrance hall, with 16 Newport Symposium detail of restored torchere. (See story page 6) Photo by Andrea Carneiro 17 Calendar of Events
Chandelier and ceiling in the Great Hall page of The Breakers. Photo by Stephen Mattos
Rich Buschgans of Lodi Welding The Preservation Society is grateful to Company removes a decorative iron element from Carol and Les Ballard for their support in the north Cliff Walk gate at The Breakers. (See story page 11) Photo by Andrea Carneiro underwriting this issue of the Newport Gazette.
Winter 2011 3 Our collaboration with ALT provides a second layer of protection ensuring that one of the last Cutting remaining parks on Bellevue Avenue will never be developed, and will continue to be a passive, pastoral space Conservation as envisioned by John Rovensky when Edge he gave the Preservation Society a gift of $175,000 (equivalent to $1.3 million Easement By Trudy Coxe in today’s dollars) for the purpose of CEO and Executive Director establishing and maintaining a park Granted on at the corner of Bellevue and Wheatlands Avenues in memory of Photo by corbettphotography.net his wife, Mrs. Mae Cadwell Rovensky. When the Preservation Society’s Rovensky Park President, Katherine Warren, By Andrea Carneiro, Communications Manager One of the frustrations of being an • Our consistent and successful announced this gift at the Society’s old-time environmentalist is seeing so support for passage of several open annual meeting in 1959, she remarked The Preservation Society’s Board of Trustees has approved the clearly the connection between land space bonds, including the most that, “This is our first gift of major granting of a conservation easement on Rovensky Park to the protection and historic preservation, recent one which will save land on importance and brings to us the Aquidneck Land Trust, ensuring that the park will continue to but not always being able to translate the Providence waterfront and at infinitely satisfying thought that be maintained as a passive, pastoral park into perpetuity. that connection into action as effec- Rocky Point in Warwick, and we have thereby taken our place as The Preservation Society retains sole ownership and management tively as one would like. That’s why will restore the stone fortifications a respected and permanent of the property, which was deeded to the Society in 1959 by John E. the Board of Trustees’ recent vote to at historic Fort Adams State Park organization in our community.” Rovensky in memory of his wife, subject to the condition that it give the Aquidneck Land Trust a here in Newport; and, When we began to research the idea “be kept and maintained…as a park, and for no other purpose.” conservation easement on Rovensky • Our contribution of $20,000 to of granting a conservation easement “This action will provide an extra level of Park is so important. This single the Friends of the Norman Bird on Rovensky Park, we learned that, protection, over and above the wording of the action will protect Rovensky from Sanctuary in 2003 to help save while not an everyday occurrence here deed, legally protecting the character of development in perpetuity and honors Third Beach from development. in Rhode Island, the granting of - to the letter - the deed requirements conservation easements at historic Rovensky Park as a passive park forever,” said established when the land was given Most importantly, we want to do properties is not uncommon on the Preservation Society CEO & Executive Director to the PS in 1959. For those who whatever we can to protect the his- national level. James Madison’s Trudy Coxe. “By granting this easement we might wonder why the Preservation toric viewsheds and landscapes of Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson’s are ensuring the public will always be able Society would place an easement on Aquidneck Island. The best and only Monticello, and the Olana estate in to enjoy this beautiful property, and also this land, let me explain. way we know how to do this is in Hudson, New York, to name only a demonstrating our support for the protection partnership with local organizations – of Newport’s historic landscapes as part of The Preservation Society’s Vision few, have conservation easements. like the Aquidneck Land Trust our overall mission of historic preservation.” Statement states that we seek to (ALT) - whose mission it is to con- So, when the opportunity arose for The conservation easement will maintain the become acclaimed locally, nationally, serve land. Since its founding twenty us to provide added assurance that park as a non-commercial, passive, pastoral park, legally prohibiting and globally for our support of local years ago, ALT has worked tirelessly the important viewshed of Rovensky any subdivision, siting of recreational buildings, permanent billboards preservation efforts and for our lead- to protect more than 2,000 acres of Park, on one of America’s most or parking lots, unnecessary planting or cutting of trees and plants, ership in linking historic preservation land across Aquidneck Island - view- historic streets, would be permanently dumping and general use of motorized vehicles. and the protection of historic land- sheds that all of us cherish - and in protected, we would have been remiss scapes. Over the years that goal has recent years has launched its Newport to pass it up. We could have no The Aquidneck Land Trust was founded in 1990; its mission is been reflected in a variety of ways, Conservation Initiative focused better partner in that mission than to “save the natural character, environmental health, and economic including: specifically on conserving strategic the Aquidneck Land Trust and we value of Aquidneck Island…..by helping to protect Aquidneck • The daily care we give to our 80 parks and large landscapes/estates in hope that the Preservation Society’s Island’s water resources, local agriculture, wildlife habitats, outdoor plus acres of gardens and grounds; the City. Two parks – King and action will motivate other large recreation areas and its scenic vistas that directly contribute to the Spencer – have just been added landowners in Newport to quality of life on Aquidneck Island.” to their list. consider doing the same. 4 Newport Gazette Winter 2011 5 Chateau-sur-Mer Torcheres Highlights Returned After Restoration Collection
By Charles Jeffers Moore Chief Conservator
Two patinated bronze torcheres in the form of half life-size female corrosion products figures in Japanese dress, holding on the surface were 3-branch candelabra, were re-installed removed with aqueous on the central staircase at Chateau- solutions containing sur-Mer this past fall, after a three chelating agents. The year absence. The kimono-clad ladies bright areas – kimono are dissimilar, with unique costume highlights, hair, etc. – designs, accessories, and attributes – were cleaned individually one holds a flowering cherry branch with custom-made acidic and the other a fan. Made in the late cleaning gels. The gelled 19th century and original to the house, form, which would stay they are signed by the French sculp- where it was put, was tor, Emile Guillemin, and the necessary so that the foundry, F. Barbedienne. treatment could be confined strictly to the Their removal was initiated by the bright parts. During need to upgrade the electrical service cleaning, a reddish and wiring in the house, and therefore material was found in the wiring in the formerly gas-lit textured surfaces and The torcheres in the conservation shop prior to being re-installed fixtures. The bronzes themselves were out-of-the-way places. at Chateau-sur-Mer. Photo by Jeff Moore grimy where decades of touching by This material was thought Bright areas on a candelabrum visitors had left their mark, and the to be a colored wax surface treatment similar to the bright highlights on patinated surface with bright high- intended to warm the color of the the figure were analyzed using an lights was dull. Assessment of the brightwork and add definition to the X-ray fluorescence machine at surface suggested seasonal coatings sculptural surface. The subsequent Williamstown Art Conservation The 16th century chimneypiece in The Breakers library is one of the highlights of oil in the past, which resulted in applications of oil would have dis- Center. The surface in those areas By Charles J. Burns, Associate Curator for Research of the Preservation Society’s collection. Photo by Stephen Mattos buildup, embedment of dirt and dust, solved it from the surface, leaving is gold, so the figures may be fairly and caused corrosion products to it to be found by the conservator. form. A decision was made to keep said to be parcel-gilt. The process The Preservation Society is creating a catalogue featuring ‘highlights’ from its the effect of the oil (but not the corro- The removal of grime and corro- of combining on a sculpture two extensive collection of fine and decorative arts within its 10 historic houses to be This is the first in a sion) on the two dark patinas – the sion products from the unpatinated colored patinas with the addition published on its website and possibly at a later date as a book. This ongoing project series of articles that skin and clothing – but to remove it areas resulted in quite bright of gold highlights is no doubt an will explore each of these important selected objects, placing them in their historical will examine some from the bright highlights where it highlights. Following touch-ups interesting one and will be the context. The object surveys will be read by specialists in the field, who have was dulling the surface and causing to compromised patina using subject of future research. generously volunteered their time, to provide further in-depth analysis. These of the highlights colored varnishes, a shop-made unacceptable base-metal corrosion. Once conservation treatment was experts include Rosalind Savill, the Director of the Wallace Collection in London, reddish-brown wax, similar to the of the Preservation completed, the fixtures were rewired, Charissa Bremer-David, Curator and expert on tapestries at The J. P. Getty Grime from visitors’ hands was residual material that was found, was new lamp holders were added, and Museum in Los Angeles, Gerald W. R. Ward, Curator of American Decorative Society’s collection of broken down and removed using applied selectively to the surface, with the ladies were returned to their Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and Nicholas Vincent, a Research fine and decorative arts. applications of solvents followed by a notable toning down of the bright- posts, ready to greet all visitors when Associate at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. enzymatic treatments. Dusty, greenish ness and more clearly defined details. Chateau-sur-Mer reopens in April. Highlights Continued >>> 6 Newport Gazette Winter 2011 7 Detail of the chimneypiece in The Breakers library. Photo by Stephen Mattos Tapestry: The Death of Coligny Tapestry: The Battle of Marcel and Maillard Photos by Andrea Carneiro
Known in late nineteenth century America and Europe The Breakers chimneypiece was originally created for the In 1888 Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt acquired two mon- paintings were then selected for the Histoire series and for their vast wealth, the third generation of the Vanderbilt Merlan de Beaumont family in the early 16th century. It umental Gobelins tapestries from the ex-collection of the woven as tapestries by Pierre-François Cozette in 1790/91. family of New York and Newport are best known today decorated a second floor chamber in the family’s château at Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, England Cozette was one of the most famous of the eighteenth for the legacy of their palatial houses, including Marble Arnay-le-Duc in Burgundy. The chimneypiece remained in probably through her preferred London dealer Asher century master-weavers at the Gobelins workshops in House (1892) for Mr. & Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt and situ until 1865 when the château was converted to industrial Wertheimer. By 1892 the tapestries were inserted into Paris. During the French Revolution a jury des arts was The Breakers (1895) for Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt use and key architectural elements were sold. It eventually giltwood frames designed by Allard and Sons to hold them appointed to examine tapestries then on the production II. The Vanderbilts were also important collectors of fine made its way into the collection of Baron Frédéric Spitzer, in place facing each other on the north and south walls of looms at Gobelins and decide on their fate. Of the 288 and decorative arts. This article looks at two of the who installed the chimneypiece in the library of his Paris the entrance hall of Marble House, giving the entrance a tapestries at the Gobelins workshops, only 20 were spared antique pieces provided for the Vanderbilts’ Newport residence. Baron Spitzer died in 1890, and three years later feeling of Versailles-era grandeur. destruction, including the present Vanderbilt tapestries, houses; both pieces have royal provenance, a very impor- the contents of his Parisian townhouse were sold at auction. The hangings were originally part of a group begun on which were sold abroad and are now on display at tant matter to collectors during the Gilded Age. The first The chimneypiece was purchased for 14,100 francs by the Gobelins looms in 1786 for Louis XVI known as the Marble House. is a French Renaissance limestone chimneypiece (circa Raoul Heilbronner, who in 1894 offered the piece for sale Histoire de France series. These weavings were based on Although these works are monumental in scale and 1535) in the Library at The Breakers and the second, at to Cornelius Vanderbilt II for The Breakers, then under historical paintings. One of the works to serve as a directly integrated into the interior architecture of their Marble House, consists of a pair of Gobelins tapestries construction, either through the intermediary of the model, The Death of Coligny by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, respective houses, our catalogue will also include such (dated 1790/91) woven for Louis XVI. Paris decorator Jules Allard or the architect Richard was displayed at the Paris Salon at the Louvre in 1787. minute and portable works of art as a gold snuffbox and Morris Hunt. The chimneypiece was installed in The The second tapestry is after a painting by Jean-Simon statuettes; all are integral to the decorative context of the Breakers library, following redesign work to accommodate Berthélemy entitled the Battle of Marcel and Maillard and Preservation Society’s historic houses. it, between September 1894 and January 1895. was created for the Paris Salon of 1783. Both of these
Highlights Collection
8 Newport Gazette Winter 2010 9 Louis XIV Returns to Marble House A late 17th century portrait of Louis XIV by the School of Henri Testelin was re-installed last October over the fireplace in the Dining Room at Marble House. It had been undergoing conservation work at the Williamstown Art Conservation Center for the last two years. The frame was conserved in-house by our own conservation technician, John Bartosh. The portrait is one of several versions of a 1668 likeness of the King as Protector of the Arts commissioned by the French Royal Academy for its assembly hall. This version is believed Conservation technician John Bartosh helps to carry the restored painting of Louis XIV through the foyer to have been presented by the King to of Marble House. Photo by Andrea Carneiro the city hall of Ypres, Belgium (then French Flanders). During the French Ronald Lee Fleming and Preservation Society Chairman Donald O. Ross with one of the Revolution, the portrait was cut from new markers outside the Isaac Bell House. its frame and sold, subsequently enter- Bellevue Avenue ing the English market where it was By Andrea Carneiro, Communications Manager purchased by Mrs. W.K. Vanderbilt..
History Visitors to Newport strolling along Bellevue Avenue can now enjoy a self-guided “walking tour” of one of America’s most legendary streets, Trail by reading the comprehensive information contained on a series of 11 framed markers stretching from Memorial Boulevard to Rough Point. Award-Winning Restoration Completed The Bellevue Avenue History Trail was dedicated last November, with the installation of the last few markers that contain photographs of The Breakers Gates and text describing the history of existing buildings as well as buildings Rosecliff & Its Neighbors: Fading Glamour & Modern Revival that have been lost. By following the markers, visitors get a complete Continues
The 1940s brought enormous change to houses on 1 Rosecliff 2 By the Sea 3 Seacliff this block of Bellevue Avenue as Gilded Age glamour (1899-1902) (1860) (1953) Our restoration of the main gates of The Breakers faded due to demolitions, fire, and acquisition of Architects: McKim, Mead and White Architect: George Champlin Mason, Sr. Architect: Frederick Rhinelander King overview of the architectural history and remarkable preservation of many properties for use by schools. Increasing s 4O MAKE WAY FOR A GRANDER 2OSECLIFF -RS /ELRICHS PURCHASED AND DEMOL s -R AND -RS !UGUST "ELMONT BUILT THIS )TALIANATE STYLE VILLA s #HRISTOPHER 7OLFE OF .EW 9ORK income and real estate taxes and a changing lifestyle ISHED THE WOODEN COTTAGE C OF 'EORGE "ANCROFT NOTED DIPLOMAT -R "ELMONT ORIGINALLY FROM 'ERMANY WAS A 53 AGENT OF THE BUILT AN )TALIANATE HOUSE CALLED in post-World War II America made the grand HISTORIAN AND HORTICULTURALIST FAMED FOR HIS ROSES POWERFUL 2OTHSCHILD BANK (IS WIFE #AROLINE WAS A DAUGHTER OF 4HE 2EEFS ON THIS SITE IN was honored with a Rhody Award from Preserve Rhode Island and s .EVADA SILVER HEIRESS 4HERESA &AIR /ELRICHS HIRED NOTED ARCHITECT 3TANFORD .EWPORTS #OMMODORE -ATTHEW 0ERRY WHO OPENED THE PORTS OF s -R AND -RS (ARRY 0AYNE 7HIT houses of Newport appear as relics from another era. 7HITE TO CREATE THIS RENDITION OF THE 'RAND 4RIANON +ING ,OUIS *APAN TO !MERICAN TRADE IN NEY OWNED THE HOUSE FROM Bellevue Avenue. Newport was seen as a fading beauty. Built in 1902 8)6S RETREAT IN THE GARDENS OF HIS PALACE AT 6ERSAILLES 'ILDED !GE .EWPORTS s 4HE "ELMONTS WERE THE lRST TO BRING GLAMOUR AND GRAND LIVING TO -RS 7HITNEY WAS BORN for an estimated $2 million, Rosecliff sold in 1941 MOST SPECTACULAR PARTIES TOOK PLACE AT 2OSECLIFF SUCH AS THE 7HITE "ALL OF TO .EWPORT IN THE S AS THE TOWN BECAME A FASHIONABLE SUMMER 'ERTRUDE 6ANDERBILT 3HE BECAME for only $21,000. Whitney Cottage, to the north of WHEN -RS /ELRICHS MOORED A mEET OF MOCK WHITE SHIPS OFF THE COAST RESORT 4HE WORLDLY !UGUST "ELMONT AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE INSPIRED A NOTED SCULPTOR AND FOUNDED THE )N -RS /ELRICHS DRESSED AS -OTHER 'OOSE TO GREET GUESTS TO HER &AIRY THE lCTIONAL COUPLE THE "EAUFORTS IN %DITH 7HARTONS 0ULITZER 7HITNEY -USEUM OF !MERICAN !RT the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. The Rhody Rosecliff, burned in 1942. The Hatch Preparatory 4ALES "ALL 0RIZE WINNING NOVEL The Age of Innocence, WHICH USED .EWPORTS IN .EW 9ORK (ER MODERNIST STUDIO School and Vernon Court Junior College acquired s )N THE /ELRICHS FAMILY SOLD 2OSECLIFF TO SINGER 'ERTRUDE .EISSEN FOR COTTAGES AS A BACKDROP STILL STANDS ON #LIFF 7ALK AT ,EFT UNATTENDED THE HOUSE SUFFERED SEVERE WATER DAMAGE -R 2AY s 4HE "ELMONTS SON !UGUST *R DEPLETED HIS FORTUNE BY INVESTING IN THE EDGE OF THIS PROPERTY The project was overseen by Preservation Society Architectural many houses in the 1960s at a time when they were viewed as expensive tax burdens and no longer !LAN 6AN #LIEF CAREFULLY REPAIRED 2OSECLIFF BUT WAS KILLED IN AN AUTOMO THE .EW 9ORK SUBWAY SYSTEM AND THE #APE #OD #ANAL LATER s .EWPORT ARCHITECT &REDERICK 2HINE BILE ACCIDENT EN ROUTE TO SPEND HIS lRST NIGHT AT THE HOUSE -R AND -RS BOUGHT BY THE 53 GOVERNMENT 4HE "ELMONTS SECOND SON LANDER +ING DESIGNED THE PRESENT Awards honor individuals, organizations and projects for their con- practical as private residences. By the 1980s, a revival * %DGAR -ONROE OF .EW /RLEANS THE LAST PRIVATE OWNERS OF 2OSECLIFF DONATED /LIVER (AZARD 0ERRY "ELMONT MARRIED !LVA 6ANDERBILT AFTER HER #OLONIAL 2EVIVAL STYLE HOUSE CALLED of the block occurred due to a renewed interest in THE HOUSE TO THE 0RESERVATION 3OCIETY IN DIVORCE FROM 7 + 6ANDERBILT 3EACLIFF IN FOR -R AND -RS ownership of historic estates. s 2OSECLIFFS ROMANTIC AND THEATRICAL QUALITIES MADE IT A PERFECT SETTING FOR s h0ARTERREv NOW OCCUPIES THIS SITE 2EGINALD " 2IVES Historian and Director of Museum Affairs John Tschirch. “The goal MOTION PICTURES SUCH AS The Great Gatsby By the Sea (photo c. 1880) tributions to the preservation of Rhode Island’s historic resources. In was to give visitors a complete experience, to help them understand the presenting the award, the organizations noted that the Preservation breadth and diversity of the entire streetscape and the urban plan,” The Reefs (photo c. 1910) Bancroft House (photo c. 1880) By the Sea (photo c. 1930) Society “recognized that restoring the gates to their former glory was Rosecliff (photo c. 1910) Parterre (photo 2008) Voices from the Past
Bellevue Avenue: A Preservation History “Among all Newport’s stately Loring Andrews House The Preservation Society of Newport County summer palaces, Rosecliff stood said Tschirch. 4 5 6 (c. 1875) Sunnylea Ivy Tower Sherwood out as one of the most glittering Bellevue Avenue National Historic Landmark District (1881-1882) (1887-1888) (1907) white elephants of them all... an important investment in one of their signature properties and a th Bellevue Avenue is a treasury of American architecture from the 19 Architects: George Champlin Mason; and early 20th centuries. Generations of the nation’s leading architects Architect: Dudley Newton Architect/Builder: J.D. Johnston Theresa Fair Oelrichs began made Newport a laboratory for design during the city’s “cottage” remodeled by Francis L.V. Hoppin building Rosecliff when there were s -R AND -RS #HARLES & #HICKERING s (ARRIET 0OND WAS ONE OF EIGHT .EW construction boom. This remarkable architectural legacy in American already some mighty mansions to culture was almost lost through demolitions and neglect during the OF .EW 9ORK BUILT THE 1UEEN !NNE 9ORKERS BUILDING HOUSES IN DURING s .EWPORT ARCHITECT 'EORGE #HAMPLIN -ASON DESIGNED A th surpass...Into Rosecliff she packed latter half of the 20 century. 2EVIVAL 3TYLE 3UNNYLEA -R #HICKERING .EWPORTS COTTAGE CONSTRUCTION BOOM 3TICK 3TYLE HOUSE IN FOR ,ORING !NDREWS OF .EW 9ORK A what Henry James called the ‘loot It took approximately four years to complete the trail, with funding critical step in preserving the historic character of the streetscape.” This self guided walking tour consists of several history markers along WORKED WITH HIS FATHER *ONAS THE s 4HE PICTURESQUE 1UEEN !NNE 2EVIVAL SELF MADE LEATHER GOODS MERCHANT AND BANKER both sides of Bellevue Avenue. Most of the buildings on this tour are FOUNDER OF THE FAMED #HICKERING 3TYLE WAS THE HEIGHT OF FASHION FOR s 3UGAR RElNING MAGNATE 4HEODORE ! (AVEMEYER OF .EW of Europe’...last week, house and private residences. Please respect their privacy. 0IANO #OMPANY .EWPORT HOUSES IN THES UNTIL THE 9ORK ACQUIRED THE HOUSE IN RENAMED IT &REIDHEIM AND furnishing were auctioned.” “The Dismantling of Newport” in The Bellevue Avenue History Marker Project is sponsored by The s .EWPORT ARCHITECT $UDLEY .EWTON THE ARRIVAL OF THE CLASSICALLY INSPIRED REMODELED IT IN THE 1UEEN !NNE 2EVIVAL 3TYLE Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit educational RECEIVED HIS lRST GRAND HOUSE COM FORMALLY PLANNED GREAT MANSIONS OF THE s 0EMBROKE AND 3ARAH *ONES OF .ORTH #AROLINA BOUGHT Time Magazine, July 28, 1941 organization dedicated to preserving Newport’s architectural heritage. MISSION WITH THE 3UNNYLEA PROJECT S SUCH AS NEIGHBORING 2OSECLIFF &REIDHEIM IN RENAMED IT 3HERWOOD AND HIRED ARCHITECT provided by a generous donation from Newport resident Ronald Lee For more stories and photos of the architecture, history and preservation .EWTON APPRENTICED WITH THE &RANCIS (OPPIN TO REMODEL IT IN THE 'EORGIAN 2EVIVAL STYLE “...they stand in stately rows along of Bellevue Avenue, visit www.NewportMansions.org and click on NOTABLE .EWPORT DESIGNER 'EORGE s (ATCH 0REPARATORY 3CHOOL PURCHASED )VY s .OTED FOR THEIR LAVISH LIFESTYLE THE *ONESES HOSTED THE ENGAGE Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Work is now underway on the restoration of the north side gates, education. #HAMPLIN -ASON A BUILDER OF MANY 4OWER IN 4HE SCHOOL OWNED SIX MENT PARTY FOR *OHN & +ENNEDY AND *ACQUELINE "OUVIER AT RI, once ‘the richest street in .EWPORT SUMMER HOUSES AND AUTHOR .EWPORT HOUSES IN THE LATE S AT A 3HERWOOD the world.’ Since the passing of OF Newport and Its Cottages TIME WHEN THESE BUILDINGS WERE VIEWED s 3HERWOOD BECAME APARTMENTS IN the Gilded Age that these houses Fleming. Most of the markers are located on the Preservation Society’s s 4YPICAL OF MANY .EWPORT AS TAX BURDENS symbolize, two wars, a long HOUSES 3UNNYLEA HAD SEVERAL s 4ODAY THE HOUSE IS AGAIN A PRIVATE depression, high income taxes and and those on the Cliff Walk, by Lodi Welding of New Jersey. OWNERS INCLUDING THE (ATCH RESIDENCE ! a shortage of servants have 0REPARATORY 3CHOOL NEW HOUSE WAS dimmed Newport’s splendor. The AND 6ERNON #OURT *UNIOR #OLLEGE BUILT ON LAND doors of these villas will never properties, at the Isaac Bell House, The Elms, 424 Bellevue Avenue, 4ODAY THE HOUSE IS TO THE NORTH IN be opened again.” AGAIN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE “Life Visits a Fading Newport” in Continued funding is being provided by the Alletta Morris McBean Ivy Tower Life Magazine, October 16, 1944 Freidheim (c. 1885) Sherwood (photo 2006) Sunnylea (photo c. 1890) (photo 2006) Chateau-sur-Mer, Rosecliff, Marble House and Rovensky Park. The Charitable Trust and the Loebs Family Foundation. others are located at Rough Point, Salve Regina University Pell Center Each marker includes information about the history of the buildings on the for International Relations, Bellevue Plaza and Bellevue Gardens One of the Cliff Walk gates at The Breakers is removed. block, as well as historic commentary. Photos by Andrea Carneiro Shopping Center. Photo by Andrea Carneiro 10 Newport Gazette Winter 2010 11 Focus on Hunter House Berwind Descendant By Andrea Carneiro, Communications Manager Makes Gift of Antique Ornaments The Preservation Society has received a grant of $100,000 from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation of Newport to study the condition of Hunter House (c.1748), a landmark Visitors to The Elms this past holiday season were Georgian Colonial house located on Washington Street enthralled with a collection of vintage Christmas ornaments along Newport’s historic waterfront. and toys on display in the library and the dining room, Preservation architects Wank Adams Slavin Associates thanks to a generous donation from a Berwind family will prepare a detailed Conditions Assessment Report and descendant. Mrs. Margaret Berwind Schiffer, grand niece Construction Documents, an important first step in the of Edward J. Berwind, who built The Elms, presented the development of an Historic Structure Report for the property. Preservation Society with a selection of pieces from her An Historic Structure Report is a critical part of preservation Hunter House Parlor. Photo by Stephen Mattos sizeable collection. planning, providing documentary, graphic and physical A noted collector and author in the field, Mrs. Schiffer information about a property’s history and existing feature experts from Yale University and Winterthur Museum donated a selection of German and American pieces ranging condition, and serving as a guide for future preservation discussing Rhode Island’s remarkable contributions to the in date from 1870 to 1940. It is the first collection of and restoration work on the property. furniture trade. Details of these and other programs will be antique ornaments ever received by the Preservation The Preservation Society will also host a number of special announced soon. Society, and includes glass, wood, papier maché, cardboard, programs in and about Hunter House this year. During July Prized for its carved interior paneling, Hunter House was celluloid, tin, chalkware and fabric ornaments and toys. and August, special weekly tours will focus on its landmark saved from the wrecking ball in 1945 by a group of concerned A highlight of the collection are the mid to late 19th century furniture; clock case doors, chests of drawers, desks and cabi- citizens who formed The Preservation Society of Newport multi-scaled German blown glass kugels, large format Some of the toys and ornaments donated by Margaret Schiffer on display in the library of forerunners of today’s simple glass ball tree ornaments. nets will be opened and visitors will learn about 18th century County to restore and preserve it. After several years of The Elms. Photo by Andrea Carneiro furniture construction methods and design features, and painstaking research and restoration, the house was opened legendary Newport craftsmen such as the Townsends and to the public. It was designated a National Historic Goddards. An 18th century furniture Study Day will Landmark in 1968. Spring Fashion Exhibit to Local Schools Enhancing Feature Wedding Dresses Benefit From Tree Washington Square By Charles J. Burns, Associate Curator for Research Decorating Contest As part of its ongoing efforts to support public initiatives In every community, weddings mark a major ritualistic turning both great and small in Newport, the Preservation Society point and alliance between families. This year the Preservation Society’s The fourth grade students at Newport's St. regularly contributes staff time, labor and materials to annual costume exhibit will feature a selection of wedding dresses Michael’s Country Day School won the $2,500 first enhancing the Washington Square area. The Preservation spanning the years 1895 – 1966. The exhibit will include several prize in our annual “Trimmed for Santa” Christmas Society has assisted with repairs to the historic iron fence that generations of fashion, from the opulence of the Gilded Age to the tree decorating contest. Students from six Newport surrounds the park, donates and maintains seasonal plantings modernity of the 1960s. schools decorated tabletop Christmas trees that were such as geraniums and evergreens, and helps brighten the city’s on display at The Elms, where visitors were invited holiday celebrations by erecting the enormous public Christmas Several different themes will resonate with the selected fashions. tree in the Square. That tree is sponsored by a committee of One will be the presentation of “three generations” of the to vote for their favorite tree. A total of more than 4,000 votes were cast. downtown merchants and businesses, chaired by Preservation Havemeyer/Winslow/Noel family of Newport, beginning with a Society Vice President David Leys, working with Kathy Bass dress worn by Theodora Havemeyer to her wedding with Cameron Each of the other schools – Underwood, of Beach Party and Barbara Palumbo of Bank Newport. McRae Winslow in Newport at the height of the Gilded Age on Coggeshall, Cranston-Calvert, Sullivan and Cluny – September 18, 1899. Other themes will include “sisters,” featuring the will receive an award of $500 for participating. The This past December, Portsmouth residents Mr. and Mrs. 1930s wedding dresses of Newport debutantes and later preservationists prize money, underwritten by a donor who prefers John LeComte donated the 30 foot Norway Spruce tree, Mrs. Alletta Morris McBean and her sister Mrs. Elizabeth Morris Smith, and to remain anonymous, will support the schools’ visual which was cut down and erected in the square by a a “mother and daughter” theme featuring the wedding dresses of Mrs. John arts programs. The annual tree contest is coordinated Preservation Society crew assisted by volunteers from the R. Drexel III and her daughter, Mrs. Pamela Drexel Walker. Other ensembles by Preservation Society Associate Curator Charles Newport Fire Department, Newport Tent Company and will include chronological highlights from the Preservation Society’s wedding Burns and staff member Elizabeth Casella. Regan Crane Service dress collection. Elizabeth Morris Smith, 1937 12 Newport Gazette Winter 2010 13 Profiles in Preservation: Entertaining Newport Style Elizabeth “Betty” Burton at the Newport Flower Show By James Roehm, Leadership Gifts Officer
The Newport Flower Show will celebrate its 16th year as America’s premier This is the first in a series of periodic articles summer flower show from June 24-26, 2011, on the historic grounds of Rosecliff. that will profile exceptionally generous donors With the theme Entertaining Newport Style, the show will reflect the grace and sophistication that define Newport, where entertaining has been elevated to an art form. to the Preservation Society of Newport County and the story behind their giving. This year’s show also pays homage to the great estate gardeners of Newport, who Sylvia Weinstock came together in 1890 to form a horticultural society and offered prizes in the city’s first organized flower show. Today’s estate gardeners have been invited to enter a special Elizabeth “Betty” Burton, of Washington, D.C., class designed especially for them at the Newport Flower Show. loved Newport and spent her retirement summers Two very special guests will headline the show over the weekend. Designers will here, becoming involved in the Preservation Society have the opportunity to learn the latest trends in floral design from Kevin Ylvisaker, and its programs. Beginning in 1997, she enthusiasti- international lecturer and cutting-edge Design Director for Oasis. And, what is a party without cake? Sylvia Weinstock, the legendary cake artist world-renowned for her cally joined the Society, provided scholarships for the pastiche flowers, will share with guests how she integrates flowers into her work and Newport Symposium and consistently gave to the her love of stylish entertaining. Annual Fund. In 2001, she informed the Society that And true to our theme, the Opening Night Party on Friday, June 24, the traditional she had made a future bequest provision in her Will, kick-off to Newport’s summer season, will feature a cocktail buffet, live music and surprises. and in so doing became the fifth member of the The presenting sponsor of the Newport Flower Show is Bartlett Tree Experts. Conservators Circle donor recognition group. For detailed show information, visit us online at www.NewportFlowerShow.org. Betty, as she preferred to be called, was a close Kevin Ylvisaker friend of Letitia Baldrige, a chronicler of social protocol and White House appointments secretary under President Kennedy. “Miss Burton never mar- EMPLOYEE NEWS ried and as she would say there simply wasn’t enough Development Director Earns Grant Administrator Joins Staff time,” said Miss Baldrige. “Betty was considered CFRE Accreditation Katherine Long has joined the Preservation avant-garde because she worked outside the home.” The Preservation Society’s Society’s Development Office as Grant Administrator, She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1940 Director of Development, Caroline bringing with her over 10 years of proven experi- with a degree in statistics and joined a group of con- Considine, has earned the ence. She holds an MA from Brown University in sulting engineers that included Buckminster Fuller. accreditation CFRE (Certified Medieval Manuscript Illustration, and was continuing Fund Raising Executive). CFRE work toward a Ph.D. in American Architecture After the war, she spent a decade in Paris working on candidates are required to have when she left to raise a family. She has served on behalf of various United States interests, including the a minimum of five years of full- the board of the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society Marshall Plan and the U.S. delegation to NATO. She returned to the U.S. in 1956 as the time fund raising employment, in Kingston, where she developed educational Caroline Considine corporate secretary for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, retiring in 1986. must document a minimum of 80 programming, managed special events, and raised hours of continuing education in the field, and pass a grant money for a complete exterior restoration of Miss Burton was known for her “quick wit, intelligence, good food, and the high quality rigorous 5-hour exam. By also demonstrating the Society’s mid-19th-century of conversation and humor at her black-tie dinners in Newport and in Washington,” excellent professional performance, ethical practices, headquarters. She returned to according to Miss Baldrige. and voluntary service, Caroline joins the distinguished work as a copy editor at The cadre of 4500 CFREs across the United States. South County Independent before Miss Burton died in 2008 and her Will provided for five charitable bequests from the remainder of her estate. She left her antique colonial furniture to the United States Caroline earned her BA in American Civilization deciding to apply her writing from Brown University and her MBA from Boston and research skills to grant writing. Department of State for use in diplomatic houses and reception rooms. Her bequest to College. Prior to joining the Preservation Society in As an independent consultant, the Preservation Society will be added to the endowment fund, thus assuring that the 2005, she spent five years as a non-profit manage- she has raised over $2 million consistent financial support she provided during her life will continue, uninterrupted, for a variety of sectors, including ment and fundraising consultant. Previously, she was and in her name, for historic preservation. a Vice President at Simmons College in Boston, MA, education, domestic violence, and held senior management and marketing positions animal rescue, and cultural Katherine Long at Bose Corporation and Polaroid Corporation. heritage and preservation.
14 Newport Gazette Winter 2010 15 e i z g i e The Newport Symposium Calendar of Events a Great Places i F Visit www.NewportMansions.org z for more information, tickets and TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 i What makes a great place? An enlightened reservations, or call (401) 847-1000. Winslow Lecture: “An Evening with Noel Coward,” v by historian David Garrard Lowe or eccentric patron, a setting of outstanding SATURDAY, APRIL 2 g i The Breakers, The Elms, a Marble House, Rosecliff & SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 beauty, a brilliant designer, and a significant Chateau-sur-Mer open daily Dinner Dance at The Elms collection displayed with exquisite care. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 MONDAY, AUGUST 22 e Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch Annual Golf Outing i A truly great place combines all of these at Rosecliff at Newport National Golf Club i
aspects and elevates them to an exceptional MONDAY, MAY 2 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 Last day of lunch at F level of artistic excellence and cultural The Newport Symposium: Great Places The Elms Carriage House Café Last day of season for Chepstow importance. SATURDAY, MAY 7 Hunter House, Isaac Bell House revert Green Animals and Kingscote open daily to weekend only opening Green Animals Plant Sale Winter Escape The 19th annual Newport Symposium FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23— SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 SATURDAY, MAY 14 to Boston Newport Mansions Wine & Food will examine the great places of the Chinese Tea House at Marble House Festival at Rosecliff and Museum of Fine Arts, opens for lunch daily Marble House world, and their creators. Art of the Americas Wing THURSDAY, MAY 19 MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 Drexel Lecture: “The Future of the Past,” Last day of lunch at the Chinese FRIDAY, MARCH 18 by Steven W. Semes, University of Notre Dame Tea House at Marble House Visit the MFA’s much anticipated Last day of season for Hunter House, SATURDAY, MAY 28 Isaac Bell House, Green Animals and highly celebrated Art of the Slaves Tower, (Tor degli Schiavi) - David Maitland Armstrong, 1871 The Elms Carriage House Café and Kingscote On display at Kingscote (1841), Newport RI. Americas Wing, which displays May 2-4, 2011 opens for lunch daily Hunter House, Isaac Bell House and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 over 5,000 objects. Among the Newport, RI Chepstow open weekends Last day of season for highlights are the unparalleled Chateau-sur-Mer and Rosecliff Featured Speakers Include: collection of paintings by John THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Lady Lucinda Shaw Stewart, Ardgowan, Annual Meeting at Rosecliff SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19- Singleton Copley, Newport Renfrewshire, Scotland SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012 furniture by the Townsends and Christmas at the Newport Mansions Giles Waterfield, Director of Royal Collection THURSDAY, JUNE 23 Goddards, masterpieces by John Studies, Associate Lecturer at the Courtauld The Breakers, The Elms and Rosecliff closed to prepare for Newport Marble House Institute of Art, London, England Flower Show Singer Sargent, and a Tiffany Dr. Sarah E. Lawrence, Director of the Masters window. Program in the History of Decorative Arts and Design, SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 26, FRIDAY, JUNE 24 – DECEMBER 3 & DECEMBER 10 Cooper-Hewitt Museum, New York SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Holiday Evenings at The Breakers Preservation Society members $45, David Adshead, Head Curator & Architectural The Newport Flower Show: The Historian, National Trust, England Entertaining Newport Style at Rosecliff general admission $50. Preservation Society SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 Space limited and reservations John P. Stern, President, Storm King Art Center, Dinner Dance at The Breakers of Newport County Mountainville, New York SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Hunter House, Isaac Bell House Holiday Evening Duet at required. For more information Presented by and Chepstow open daily. The Elms & Marble House and to register call Information & Registration • 401-847-1000, ext. 154 U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, 401-847-1000 ext. 154 or e-mail www.PSNC.org National Trust Insurance Services, LLC and Christie’s WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 Children’s Party at Green Animals [email protected] Topiary Garden Schedule is subject to change F Winter 2010 17 OFFICERS INTERNATIONAL Chairman Emeritus COUNCIL John G. Winslow Armin B. Allen Chairman Theresa Behrendt Donald O. Ross James D. Berwind Dr. Johan Cederlund Our Mission Vice Chair Maureen Chilton Great Houses connect people to a Angela Brown Fischer Alec Cobbe nation’s heritage and open windows to Claudio Del Vecchio another age. The Preservation Society of Vice Presidents Debra Del Vecchio Carol C. Ballard Newport County is a non-profit organi- Comte Denis De Kergorlay David P. Leys Nancy Dubuc zation whose mission is to protect, pre- Angela L. Moore serve, and present an exceptional collec- Morrison Heckscher tion of house museums and landscapes Treasurer Henrietta Holsman Fore Robert B. Mackay in one of the most historically intact Monty Burnham Pauline C. Metcalf cities in America. Richard Moe We hold in public trust the Newport Assistant Treasurer Peter S. Damon Mary Phipps Mansions which are an integral part of Louis Piancone the living fabric of Newport, Rhode Secretary Earl A. Powell III Island. These sites exemplify three cen- Susan S. Stautberg Dame Fiona Reynolds (DBE) turies of the finest achievements in Assistant Secretary Charles Royce American architecture, decorative arts, Arthur W. Murphy, Esq Deborah Royce and landscape design spanning the Vladimir Tolstoy Colonial era to the Gilded Age. TRUSTEES Diane B. Wilsey Through our historic properties, Duncan A. Chapman Professor Richard Guy Wilson educational programs, and related Nancy W. Cushing David B. Ford activities we engage the public in the Sarah M. Gewirz story of America’s vibrant cultural Eaddo Hayes Kiernan Elizabeth W. Leatherman PRESERVATION heritage. We seek to inspire and David E.P. Lindh SOCIETY promote an appreciation of the value Richard C. Loebs, Jr. William F. Lucey PROPERTIES of preservation to enrich the lives of John D. Muggeridge Arnold Burying Ground (1675) people everywhere. Andrew K. Reilly Eugene B. Roberts, Jr. Hunter House (circa 1748) Mary Van Pelt Mark E. Watson III Kingscote (1839-1841) Editor: Andrea Carneiro William F. Wilson Design: Roskelly Inc. William N. Wood Prince Chateau-sur-Mer (1851-1852) Printing: Meridian Printing OVERSEERS Green Animals Topiary Garden ©2011 The Preservation Society Marion O. Charles (circa 1860) of Newport County Hope Drury Goddard 424 Bellevue Avenue Jerome R. Kirby Chepstow (1860-1861) Newport RI 02840 Richard N. Sayer, Esq. (401) 847-1000 John J. Slocum, Jr. Isaac Bell House (1881-1883) George H. Warren John G. Winslow 424 Bellevue Avenue (1887-1888) See the Newport Gazette in full color online at CHIEF EXECUTIVE Marble House (1888-1892) OFFICER/EXECUTIVE www.NewportMansions.org The Breakers (1893-1895) DIRECTOR Become a Facebook friend of Trudy Coxe The Breakers Stable & Carriage House The Preservation Society of Newport County (1895)
THANK YOU TO The Elms (1899-1901) OUR DONORS Rosecliff (1899-1902) Entrance foyer at Kingscote. FOR THEIR CHARITABLE Photo by Stephen Mattos CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE Rovensky Park (1959) PRESERVATION SOCIETY’S MISSION 18 Newport Gazette Non Profit Org The Preservation Society of Newport County U.S. Postage 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 PAID The Preservation 401–847–1000 401–847–1361 Society of Newport County
New England’s Premier Flower Show The Newport Flower Show Entertaining
June 24-26, 2011 Rosecliff
Presenting Sponsor www.NewportFlowerShow.org 401-847-1000