John Russell Pope tour and an upcoming ICAA event

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAZ87N4cQoo7xdPNQSW9cR87Ilg7X8_IATI-9ts9u9gphWs3SSFMMCLZAQntNwcjLYPCG-0isU-cdkXvSeV5D_NBtdeUw107DaA0_3Jswt6xhejKCc6hzlk4M9UwaPrtMNXz6gQC0mU/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsAZ87N4cQoo7xdPNQSW9cR87Ilg7X8_IATI-9ts9u9gphWs3SSFMMCLZAQntNwcjLYPCG-0isU-cdkXvSeV5D_NBtdeUw107DaA0_3Jswt6xhejKCc6hzlk4M9UwaPrtMNXz6gQC0mU/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+statue.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>I recently had the honor to host a lunch time tour of the John Russell Pope designed <a href="http://www.nga.gov/">National Gallery of Art</a> for the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">Mid-Atlantic branch of the ICAA</a> of which I sit on the board.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRtlBtxnzat9iEWTtMvWBLVSx9BNf-NBUAAlKrlUGm1W7QQtIdCdqiCJrfSAEalClZOL51AAC9U_ESAuc103Q1W_joXN4B2N3G3TBQTjPUeLLmxbWOiOyjcRDMVUPjN3C6ymD3qhUaSc/s1600/national+Gallery+of+art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRtlBtxnzat9iEWTtMvWBLVSx9BNf-NBUAAlKrlUGm1W7QQtIdCdqiCJrfSAEalClZOL51AAC9U_ESAuc103Q1W_joXN4B2N3G3TBQTjPUeLLmxbWOiOyjcRDMVUPjN3C6ymD3qhUaSc/s1600/national+Gallery+of+art.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Probably my favorite public building in a city of favorites, this classical gem was designed by architect John Russell Pope for Andrew W. Mellon. Mellon (basically and in short) gifted the building and the basis of its collection to the nation. In an odd twist of fate both Mellon and Pope passed away in August,1937 before the Galleries' dedication in 1941.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuW26lNDkWHWsDjT5-wx9c3tQBe8NJ-vkKsPWoxvXRDb77j3UQPy6CUKYyMz0cIt5B2RY-WMLCz7oU_qnp1DA43VeERfXOyNPlXmCQ68YHbiI-myY3kk3mCE3cYG4DHqK9VKEGWS7QuQ/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuW26lNDkWHWsDjT5-wx9c3tQBe8NJ-vkKsPWoxvXRDb77j3UQPy6CUKYyMz0cIt5B2RY-WMLCz7oU_qnp1DA43VeERfXOyNPlXmCQ68YHbiI-myY3kk3mCE3cYG4DHqK9VKEGWS7QuQ/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+sign.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Clad in Tennessee pink marble the Neoclassical structure harkens the growing trend towards modernism while still looking to the past, as does much of its' collection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8VLXHpKJxj5zO1UJ6MEkyxM88g5haEcVmDCVFkV63m3HkBZ9jqExbOCJdpPakvFL8_fi75_KvKu8uaCX2h9wTJmJTQ_V7adeoLFDhxLLTDQNjsvfq7WCBh4pngF3JG1ACwt4FVXmJJc/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8VLXHpKJxj5zO1UJ6MEkyxM88g5haEcVmDCVFkV63m3HkBZ9jqExbOCJdpPakvFL8_fi75_KvKu8uaCX2h9wTJmJTQ_V7adeoLFDhxLLTDQNjsvfq7WCBh4pngF3JG1ACwt4FVXmJJc/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Below you can see some early sketches by Pope which show the partee or basic plan as well as the massing of the building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHyzTUF9ykszmGjCm_UhSbA5sUnOCV3sc2aDsibBq7Hj-dKE_ps2BLpwyPcO0u63aQgfMxMBmoAbDdvxn6JKwiMbOfc61UYNL9oqXItQkkOXaLb5Md1Z4aMbwEw4xK8ZeXNacdWxCDM/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+floorplan+by+JRP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfHyzTUF9ykszmGjCm_UhSbA5sUnOCV3sc2aDsibBq7Hj-dKE_ps2BLpwyPcO0u63aQgfMxMBmoAbDdvxn6JKwiMbOfc61UYNL9oqXItQkkOXaLb5Md1Z4aMbwEw4xK8ZeXNacdWxCDM/s1600/National+Gallery+of+Art+floorplan+by+JRP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Largely based on Rome's Pantheon with wings housing the galleries, the structure incorporated the latest technology of the time which has held up remarkably well considering the wear and tear the building receives on a daily basis (including a recent earthquake)!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XM80puR-mArdw-7N2sTSX3c29EnT_HkAlsl2nNVU-pb2rHwYbF05f7PCobF1737ZlDZW5_plMu2aV5NNIo8ptHvabWGmFVwZAmU0_JmcO7FjQmK1QTnEGTbq31656XEVTIdV9GKCy0/s1600/National+gallery+of+art+rotunda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0XM80puR-mArdw-7N2sTSX3c29EnT_HkAlsl2nNVU-pb2rHwYbF05f7PCobF1737ZlDZW5_plMu2aV5NNIo8ptHvabWGmFVwZAmU0_JmcO7FjQmK1QTnEGTbq31656XEVTIdV9GKCy0/s1600/National+gallery+of+art+rotunda.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The central rotunda is my favorite space in the museum and possibly the city. The columns surrounding the central fountain are solid marble (quite the engineering feat getting those into place) which visually support a large coffered dome. While appearing to be the same stone as the rest of the interior, the dome is actually composed of plaster with a steel frame.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUVmtfGa_O1IY6Eh5Hkw4cpIOE75gQsoXtpC0AdFrJpZ9E-mpULSpAIGSNQ1pmH7C9piybJXC5UTvlylS-igX4DV7bzxJllf5By-SQi9CeEZlLmsAYjjGMUUAPSnb-mG2wZnM4yqvmdk/s1600/Plaster+dome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUVmtfGa_O1IY6Eh5Hkw4cpIOE75gQsoXtpC0AdFrJpZ9E-mpULSpAIGSNQ1pmH7C9piybJXC5UTvlylS-igX4DV7bzxJllf5By-SQi9CeEZlLmsAYjjGMUUAPSnb-mG2wZnM4yqvmdk/s1600/Plaster+dome.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Indeed the entire structure is concrete and steel based with a very (modern) veneer of marble. It hides his secret well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4lpySlPfKc0bBbooooBHtQd30kQVX-zpWxTcchQH7K29sHYDqeaXEGHXWy7oNjSYaEbeuaKtLFvy3ePPt5-WTYh1rAsouByu6Uin2NqXJ1VgFTPgaYePmPlMw0y66ynEkdJS76BAOs/s1600/sculpture+courts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc4lpySlPfKc0bBbooooBHtQd30kQVX-zpWxTcchQH7K29sHYDqeaXEGHXWy7oNjSYaEbeuaKtLFvy3ePPt5-WTYh1rAsouByu6Uin2NqXJ1VgFTPgaYePmPlMw0y66ynEkdJS76BAOs/s1600/sculpture+courts.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>On either side of the rotunda are 2 skylit sculpture courts. As throughout the museum most spaces on the piano nobile are daylit by large skylights.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBBmaIDCWVoGBiXm1rodKCYWns7nDu8J1VKHK5bClzxxTASsbFkiaYWTT7OZHoCy3tK8jfGYPGqEcAK0_HN-qVHEK3_KGitCovJh-co078GM7frHoWFlo2zGQaEeOhmrrNymySnMrMY/s1600/overdoor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBBmaIDCWVoGBiXm1rodKCYWns7nDu8J1VKHK5bClzxxTASsbFkiaYWTT7OZHoCy3tK8jfGYPGqEcAK0_HN-qVHEK3_KGitCovJh-co078GM7frHoWFlo2zGQaEeOhmrrNymySnMrMY/s1600/overdoor.JPG" width="286" /></a></div> The building itself is an encyclopedia on classical detailing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6D1vzQv-mO1isIUE18u2uOPLqFn67Jxws9ieKcYcQa-jgVsYg7TZlhrtC59oaT8BG6yuBMQbvu5aLyrBUGyqb7eA8eqc1psG9Kkbx4e78OkdZPMKcKpycUWnBfrgA76lbyVbL9jtv3E/s1600/brass+lantern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6D1vzQv-mO1isIUE18u2uOPLqFn67Jxws9ieKcYcQa-jgVsYg7TZlhrtC59oaT8BG6yuBMQbvu5aLyrBUGyqb7eA8eqc1psG9Kkbx4e78OkdZPMKcKpycUWnBfrgA76lbyVbL9jtv3E/s1600/brass+lantern.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I love this bronze lantern in one of the vestibules -notice the Greek key and architectural motifs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UCDpHXOQwDa9vnr6jVVbO2cVmF3w8g6ikVH6vDbFRYtvN1qNn9BgMljyANr5o1GFnlfFPoQQwxNeef3OzJarFosGKP5zuy1bXx9CgXDdYVEn-BrlvTYCwZHbGGCEmxCds5mtVLWjTl0/s1600/stone+casing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UCDpHXOQwDa9vnr6jVVbO2cVmF3w8g6ikVH6vDbFRYtvN1qNn9BgMljyANr5o1GFnlfFPoQQwxNeef3OzJarFosGKP5zuy1bXx9CgXDdYVEn-BrlvTYCwZHbGGCEmxCds5mtVLWjTl0/s1600/stone+casing.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The openings in the galleries themselves are clad in different materials -here in Italian travertine with silk damask walls (dating to the 1980s)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1BXk9eGFtbPhEF8y8pQnX_ZzB-nJSJExNADI8H66p_vQQmX55P_Q-J9Y395klqRQFcFefNpidzqLb1AFvLA_ekR3LscsTRjQCIjZ6YKATH8YBG8VfI6nIAEkfe2Can1AZ7uHhW7RBSI/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+tour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1BXk9eGFtbPhEF8y8pQnX_ZzB-nJSJExNADI8H66p_vQQmX55P_Q-J9Y395klqRQFcFefNpidzqLb1AFvLA_ekR3LscsTRjQCIjZ6YKATH8YBG8VfI6nIAEkfe2Can1AZ7uHhW7RBSI/s1600/National+Gallery+of+art+tour.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Seen above the current chief architect for the museum, Susan Wertheim, talks to the group about the Pantheon influence in front of Panini's painting, <a href="http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection/art-object-page.165.html">Interior of the Pantheon</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3So-nv30gmxdefdjgXNiBc9ZvauqVOswMExyXwFfjnbJ09hvPhXyw_Re1jhv7ErbHh2MDkKCNXJMTrRlJ7OL5r8KQ1flw4OUL4TZd_9-6DLLGl1hfXVSumSjRfLVthyunvTs_M_JJDg/s1600/column+capital+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3So-nv30gmxdefdjgXNiBc9ZvauqVOswMExyXwFfjnbJ09hvPhXyw_Re1jhv7ErbHh2MDkKCNXJMTrRlJ7OL5r8KQ1flw4OUL4TZd_9-6DLLGl1hfXVSumSjRfLVthyunvTs_M_JJDg/s1600/column+capital+detail.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of classical detailing the ICAA has an upcoming lecture by <a href="http://theartofclassicaldetails.com/author.php">Phillip James Dodd</a> centered on his new book <a href="http://theartofclassicaldetails.com/">The Art of Classical Details</a> on Thursday, May 22nd - a fascinating lecture not to be missed!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMgmaYx_qmgaYR4D4fRp3-SjsO8QWSbio_8tf__sOt8hzEShrM26pbCegsGdv4Pk4-TLtQOuuskEVMG7aBkwicr-bZDAPf3h2Y1d-2AAv9t5vdeALhkPX2IxpQJJNVtJvkIP-qz1WIY/s1600/The+art+of+Classical+Detailing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMgmaYx_qmgaYR4D4fRp3-SjsO8QWSbio_8tf__sOt8hzEShrM26pbCegsGdv4Pk4-TLtQOuuskEVMG7aBkwicr-bZDAPf3h2Y1d-2AAv9t5vdeALhkPX2IxpQJJNVtJvkIP-qz1WIY/s1600/The+art+of+Classical+Detailing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Information and tickets to the lecture can be purchased from the website; look towards the bottom of the events page linked <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/chapter_events">HERE</a>. Hope to see you there!

John Russell Pope tour and an upcoming ICAA event

I recently had the honor to host a lunch time tour of the John Russell Pope designed National Gallery of Art for the Mid-Atlantic branch of...

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David Mayernik lecture in Georgetown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69N5tEw_AnDDiKeFTfWki7JhD69fhfCCz_hpWXNq8wsIHyj1jTX7U9HHodu7nq6TTGL2xzQI1SA5ZM0-jPcKyR2vT8VvuHltmEDP8WEzXJob5cuAJuSaaudIl2ZUdOTWCldS7VTyBOMM/s1600/david_mayernik.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69N5tEw_AnDDiKeFTfWki7JhD69fhfCCz_hpWXNq8wsIHyj1jTX7U9HHodu7nq6TTGL2xzQI1SA5ZM0-jPcKyR2vT8VvuHltmEDP8WEzXJob5cuAJuSaaudIl2ZUdOTWCldS7VTyBOMM/s1600/david_mayernik.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div>Join the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">Washington Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA</a> in welcoming <a href="http://www.davidmayernik.com/">David Mayernik</a>, architecture professor at Notre Dame, author, urban planner, artist, and architect,  to Georgetown to discuss his latest book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1409457672/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1409457672&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">The Challenge of Emulation in Art and Architecture</a>. I've been told by his former students that he is a charismatic and inspirational speaker!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptB2MUORQo5PdN9t8V3jNjmhU7TsuTedVkIMSdkrl1Dfho9cEd8o2A6pF2TVFO9PTTMSsVAJy2W8A6oJpj_lTB2llPxbT48azqoYFZYZS4OOPqarfGNu0ceyDwImsWs6lmTqh2YCUIyg/s1600/emulation_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptB2MUORQo5PdN9t8V3jNjmhU7TsuTedVkIMSdkrl1Dfho9cEd8o2A6pF2TVFO9PTTMSsVAJy2W8A6oJpj_lTB2llPxbT48azqoYFZYZS4OOPqarfGNu0ceyDwImsWs6lmTqh2YCUIyg/s1600/emulation_cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Emulation in the classical tradition was a challenging middle ground between imitating and inventing.  The disappearance of emulation fissured artistic production in the later 18th century into either copying the past or continually seeking novelty, approaches confirmed in the 19th century and mostly taken for granted today. Mayernik will show instead how emulation operated for artists and architects of the Renaissance and Baroque, and will describe his own process of emulation as an argument for its recovery today.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Find details on the event scheduled for Thursday March 13, 2014 on the website <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/chapter_events">HERE</a>. Hope to see you there!</div>

David Mayernik lecture in Georgetown

Join the Washington Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA in welcoming David Mayernik , architecture professor at Notre Dame, author, urban plan...

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Michael Imber in DC: lecture

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz6ZWNyPBu86PJ23Nevsya30p53fYDSIT4g2nbhVgvg-ddo8VohY4iitaGEz91AoMmrI4b_Dr63_65yezrhg0-UsZRF_RnEW6HgDUqYlAyU3I_542j2YTzDPrjDDklTjByIOZg_rd3Mvl/s1600/Gonzalez+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz6ZWNyPBu86PJ23Nevsya30p53fYDSIT4g2nbhVgvg-ddo8VohY4iitaGEz91AoMmrI4b_Dr63_65yezrhg0-UsZRF_RnEW6HgDUqYlAyU3I_542j2YTzDPrjDDklTjByIOZg_rd3Mvl/s400/Gonzalez+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Join the <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/">Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA</a> for a lecture by architect <a href="http://www.michaelgimber.com/">Michael Imber</a>, whose book I recently reviewed <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-michael-g-imber-ranches.html">HERE</a>, on October 17th 2013. Michael will be discussing his book as well as the influences that shape his work and its relationship to their environment.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuq_WBDvLq_M2t0VCDNaPu9J68c2zKE-d1MjpFKaeqM-mf6N8ohUqUMm7En_jcz19jnz405E93n0g4c9uFcVfuxZKuBL780ZzWJyHFpWKlVlQUWkzT9vDn7dlptfWDdIHzrfLRQ1aC443/s1600/Michael+G+Imber%252C+Ranches%252C+Villas%252C+and+Houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuq_WBDvLq_M2t0VCDNaPu9J68c2zKE-d1MjpFKaeqM-mf6N8ohUqUMm7En_jcz19jnz405E93n0g4c9uFcVfuxZKuBL780ZzWJyHFpWKlVlQUWkzT9vDn7dlptfWDdIHzrfLRQ1aC443/s400/Michael+G+Imber%252C+Ranches%252C+Villas%252C+and+Houses.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />The lecture will be held at St. John's Church in Georgetown: information for tickets <a href="http://www.classicist-washington.org/chapter_events">HERE</a>. Hope to see you there!

Michael Imber in DC: lecture

Join the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA for a lecture by architect Michael Imber , whose book I recently reviewed HERE , on October 17th ...

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Georgetown Housetour - this weekend!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvVEx_nAEfWvgjalWyGMgfHvQ8UB5GgFG0anyozAllw9tlyGvASsyNKpHgG1hoIrMt8SUZIxJF6t0f-ZSHPYED7whJf1zxaWyifSt8Tke0lfWF2eX-yPDMGffvW6nbVxnJiA7wMvlWBbY/s1600/Georgetown+victorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvVEx_nAEfWvgjalWyGMgfHvQ8UB5GgFG0anyozAllw9tlyGvASsyNKpHgG1hoIrMt8SUZIxJF6t0f-ZSHPYED7whJf1zxaWyifSt8Tke0lfWF2eX-yPDMGffvW6nbVxnJiA7wMvlWBbY/s640/Georgetown+victorian.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Don't miss the <a href="http://www.georgetownhousetour.com/">Georgetown house tour</a> THIS WEEKEND - April 28. This is the longest running house tour in the country and benefits the ministries of St John's Episcopal Church.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrwok1rCTFrRMrlIsUH3mrsY0ZhcErzhK_BA9xohhC2IIr9ZVy26kFFqsEfLp4LSaWYx31lrF11DJ7zbhKEwJVbaxsTylLmF4DFfWvLjAR79p_jL-JMiM7pcW8_Uh9ubLVnirlCdu9PXJ/s1600/georgetown+house+tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrwok1rCTFrRMrlIsUH3mrsY0ZhcErzhK_BA9xohhC2IIr9ZVy26kFFqsEfLp4LSaWYx31lrF11DJ7zbhKEwJVbaxsTylLmF4DFfWvLjAR79p_jL-JMiM7pcW8_Uh9ubLVnirlCdu9PXJ/s640/georgetown+house+tour.jpg" width="424" /></a></div> Nine beautiful houses of varying styles will be featured on the tour including these 4 pictured here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-s2ATOvSKq3k98VhfWI-ccHVYi_ASbmT7OQ7lotu_76MBf7qxez9054Bgc5fluZzED4S5zVQA2XVFY9MyfAcuDd4FHM7unuAR_IRgz51Bo6ZGX_fqC4fxI1i-clny0JwzStO85LOJ44S/s1600/georgetown+modern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-s2ATOvSKq3k98VhfWI-ccHVYi_ASbmT7OQ7lotu_76MBf7qxez9054Bgc5fluZzED4S5zVQA2XVFY9MyfAcuDd4FHM7unuAR_IRgz51Bo6ZGX_fqC4fxI1i-clny0JwzStO85LOJ44S/s640/georgetown+modern.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Also included is a delightful tea at St John's Parish Hall. I'm most excited by seeing inside the Georgetown Stables below, long ago converted into a quirky residence. I saw them retouching some paint in preparation for the tour just a few weeks ago and it should prove to be very interesting!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSN6Z-KwCEj8yPNZ_-dXcKF-FP4DrqsD814VXvWb9g2k1mNkfW_3XIfEWKmNx-4kMPuhqsYs2p6NyaroGPg4dJX-R5fdJFTKNJhw-LHi21gpfE360umgP_R6kIwcmbzYZGf54JJ7C0gyM/s1600/georgetown+stables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSN6Z-KwCEj8yPNZ_-dXcKF-FP4DrqsD814VXvWb9g2k1mNkfW_3XIfEWKmNx-4kMPuhqsYs2p6NyaroGPg4dJX-R5fdJFTKNJhw-LHi21gpfE360umgP_R6kIwcmbzYZGf54JJ7C0gyM/s640/georgetown+stables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Also upcoming as part of the Georgetown Housetour is a lecture given by <a href="http://www.gpschafer.com/">architect Gil Schafer</a> on May 9th. Information is at the housetour <a href="http://www.georgetownhousetour.com/">website</a>. Hope to see you there (at both events)!!<br /><i>Photos courtesy of the Georgetown Housetour.</i>

Georgetown Housetour - this weekend!

Don't miss the Georgetown house tour  THIS WEEKEND - April 28. This is the longest running house tour in the country and benefits the mi...

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Mirror, Chrome, and Gin Fizz: Art Deco in Britain

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LYFGYevXdKMhhaB8DcPWoUhemfxQwIGN1vC2ydcNy2XeHcesuqZwVCQ13dko0CLEap9nil3rxh6op2wnXoyhO7_2PUO8h24Us_tW3QsOV6HPq7Ls8LLEWM0O33OeKiieD6q5PcHNZKg/s1600/ElthamPalace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565567015527725922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LYFGYevXdKMhhaB8DcPWoUhemfxQwIGN1vC2ydcNy2XeHcesuqZwVCQ13dko0CLEap9nil3rxh6op2wnXoyhO7_2PUO8h24Us_tW3QsOV6HPq7Ls8LLEWM0O33OeKiieD6q5PcHNZKg/s400/ElthamPalace.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> On March 1st, <a href="http://emilyevanseerdmans.blogspot.com/">Emily Eerdmans</a> will be in DC to talk for the <a href="http://www.classicist.org/">National Institute for Classical Architecture</a>. Cohosted by the prestigous <a href="http://www.royal-oak.org/">Royal Oak Foundation</a>, the lecture will take place at the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 1785 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Emily is a natural choice to speak on art deco as she wrote the excellent book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Regency-Redux-Interiors-Napoleonic-Classical/dp/0847831442/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295834943&sr=8-2">Regency Redux</a>. More recently, she wrote the book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Madeleine-Castaing-Emily-Eerdmans/dp/0847832813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295834943&sr=8-1">Madeleine Castaing </a>that I got for Christmas and was unable to put down!<br />Specifically, Emily will be discussing art deco design in Britain. While not as prevalent there as elsewhere, she will cite and talk on examples such as the Cunard ship, The Queen Mary, Claridges hotel in London, Coleton Fishacre and Eltham Palace (seen above).<br />Tickets are $35 ($25 for members) and are available by emailing <a href="mailto:alissa.ardito@gmail.com">alissa.ardito@gmail.com</a>.<br />Hope to see you there!

Mirror, Chrome, and Gin Fizz: Art Deco in Britain

On March 1st, Emily Eerdmans will be in DC to talk for the National Institute for Classical Architecture . Cohosted by the prestigous Roya...

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Essential Elegance

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546303604657563042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i3toeHSjc4VqRm7Gt7H9fuk9J5gwQGteLgVm_jsZJDVOwSIPkaHW0iZb8grqyUWEkOnCpCOFFg6GG-EeFw0jNhTeo_whdPsCGBb4DnOHZMpSMb32WgVpgVIhKUacQAr1uC6zGvQ02Nc/s400/essential+elegance.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Earlier this week, I attended a lecture at the <a href="http://www.corcoran.org/">Corcoran</a> given by Jose Solis & Paul Sherrill of <a href="http://solisbetancourt.com/">Solis Betancourt</a> in celebration of their new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elegance-Interiors-Solis-Betancourt/dp/1580932789/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285184242&sr=1-1">Essential Elegance</a>. I know there are a LOT of beautiful books out this season but this one surely deserves its' place as a stocking stuffer (as said by Solis himself!).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546303601479132722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKkQPF3HIROTxppZT0Af8wiR75eln6UZQCWYDBE7EIg6UaCZDmcDfNMfQcYovhOHfHK0U13Z__TyGsjbeGFt3Yeb36yorWQmI2run6UI5-13Oe1gbc0_Pu-Tt3V0dUT7W3jsAbpl_CDg/s400/jose+solis+%2526+Paul+Sherrill.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 397px; CURSOR: hand" />Solis Betancourt has been operating out of Washington, DC for 20 years and to celebrate that landmark, they decided to publish a book of some of their favorite projects. One of the first in the book is also one of my favorites (which I've loved ever since I first saw it published), an elegant french styled house here in DC they did in collaboration with <a href="http://www.barnesvanze.com/">Barnes Vanze Architects</a>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546306814212065090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXs6J7XaIkz6EBKtKBykkgebQaU1-irBsLh9WtwQfEPEFitGSUIwedT3M520jEe0YPSvzZYkImZ20Mb9MTzcNMNkl5SpN5NHqXlPCe0dsruXatt6UXMCC-iR8ykLtNDnGIyice_8QEA4/s400/living+room.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Above is the living room. In this remarkable renovation, the team turned a pokey little house into an airy and spacious feeling masterpiece with amazing views. One of my favorite parts of the lecture was that they showed the 'befores' for every 'after' which got a lot of gasps from the audience!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qQvCeYN8zqZexlABbMPTENJGBYgxBJZE7xb373zZPKnMTgJssYiI6xHbbxTZPQuJrn5fa-Ko3QbVZgp03KCn34nFbTUoMfdZhPXbnIzYJ-k3z5bvJmmd_Lh7eckzBapz0aakQoUC6l8/s1600/masterbedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546306825626535314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qQvCeYN8zqZexlABbMPTENJGBYgxBJZE7xb373zZPKnMTgJssYiI6xHbbxTZPQuJrn5fa-Ko3QbVZgp03KCn34nFbTUoMfdZhPXbnIzYJ-k3z5bvJmmd_Lh7eckzBapz0aakQoUC6l8/s400/masterbedroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The master bedroom above benefited from the use of Portieres, or curtains to delineate space, a common element found in much of their work. The amazing mahogany windows and french doors from <a href="http://www.mq.ca/">MQ windows</a> which fill the house don't hurt either! Another ingenius element that often pops up in their work is decorative mouldings on the ceiling in which all of the ugly necessities are ganged; such as air vents, lighting fixtures and smoke detectors.<br /><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546303603290657074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2sJ0KiDLWy2pFmw1xltD7-nTpYfbwD1DBc9qNF04nYBnx1fZS32AyU4YLxud9zip807UxkIh5EDOItHFS2HR6y7GGQQ4RDlDuK16vV81e2qVamUM86mpjNVWY0-PtWRpRCOebDdeLAA/s400/kitchen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The use of natural materials and simple, modern furniture in a classical space was important to the client. Solis stated that their work at the firm is extremely client based and personal. This is evidenced by the broad range of styles seen throughout the book. He believes that the process should be 'amazingly fun' for everyone involved and that the client is the most important part of the process.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546306811550061026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeDuJNCX78cSEc_tHV73NoGL0aHSZH9iovj19Km1lqWrFgh6GDMHUayakVv_fqvt8UadyjpdTu4h5No5PSABjcBgDFpi_SXbfY8HJJ40mE1qS49_efz1VUwziiQdRaNApkxBxFO5k3kw/s400/bedroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" />In another more recently completed project just outside of NYC, Solis collaborated with architect Ward Welch to create a soothing environment for the client as an escape from the city. Solis believes his training as a painter (and also as an architect at Cornell) has trained him to see his interiors as still-lives and he excels at creating vignettes, as in this bedroom above. One of my favorite spaces was a bathroom in the same house. The modern glass sinks benefit from tons of natural light and the contrasting ornate mirrors add a little excitement to the room. I also love when bathrooms are finished like <em>real</em> rooms with pieces of furniture.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546306807096338258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-Nfsujskn2nQ8mpXkI9eXXORMZpp-4icRxO4oKKz-7MlcZ9sZP2OvywxZ2Acp5CtJMznX23ScQYEwPK-HhHcnYBYTEbLPN5IvlW-vGK3bsrPC3JvgyvwXQjZLjIlgKfgT-peN3BKXfA/s400/bathroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" />In the end, Solis and Paul left us with some great points. The earlier an interior designer is involved with a project, the better and smoother the end result. Solis believes his training as an architect helped his communication skills with clients, architects and the whole building team and believes that a team process is needed for a coherent project. </div><div> </div><div>Editing is the most crucial part of design and Jose likes to work with existing furniture and architecture when possible, but in new ways; thinking outside of the box.</div><div> </div><div>Jose said that entryways are the most important room of any house as they provide the introduction. He believes that no matter the size, it must give the 'story' of the entire house and he likes to include all of the main materials found throughout: stone,wood, iron, etc. </div><div> </div><div>While Jose tends towards the modern and Paul towards traditional, their work together has created some stunning interiors as proved by this book. No matter whether the house is old or new, they like to provide a bit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabisabi">wabi-sabi </a>to the space by adding age and patina to give a sense of history. This one is a must in the fall line-up of interiors books!</div><div><em>principal photography throughout the book was provided by Marcos Galvany</em></div></div>

Essential Elegance

Earlier this week, I attended a lecture at the Corcoran given by Jose Solis & Paul Sherrill of Solis Betancourt in celebration of thei...

Read more »