Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Huntington Library

Hello, dear bloggers, and welcome to Outdoor Wednesday, hosted by the lovely Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer. Last week I took you on a home tour of San Marino, California. We will continue our tour with a visit to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens as I'll play docent to the Huntington's mansion and private art collection.

Let's meet at the outdoor patio where my daughters and my son's lovely girlfriend await us.


Upon entering, we find ourselves in this magnificent foyer with a double staircase leading to the upper floor.







But before we ascend to the main gallery, lets take a peek into the main parlor which is furnished with fine European antiques, rugs, and tapestries.


This is Isabella Huntington's parlor. It is decidedly feminine, and the subject matter of the paintings are all children. I could just imagine her serving tea to her guests in this room.


The architecture makes you think you're in Versailles rather than California.


Another impressive room is the dining room. Let's pretend this guard is the butler...
(bell rings) Dinner is served.


The main gallery is home to two very recognizable works of art.

Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough

and Pinky by Thomas Lawrence

I adore this pink china.


A pair of potpourri vases, c. 1758. I didn't know they had potpourri back then.

Harp and harpsichord
A collection of silver pieces
These lovely pieces were used by the Huntingtons and not just for display, can you see all the scratches? So those of you who have beautiful silverware and china hiding in your hutches, take them out and enjoy them before they become museum pieces!

Little Red Riding Hood, isn't she sweet?

There are so many treasures here at the Huntington Library that if you happen to be in Southern California, a visit here is just as essential as Disneyland. Hope you enjoyed your tour.

Happy OW, everyone!


Till next time,


17 comments:

Donna said...

What a gorgeous place! I would love to visit and see all the "pretties".
Thanks for photos.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I enjoyed the tour! Thank you. What a beautful mansion and art collection that Humtington has.

Happy Outdoor Wednesday

Jeanne said...

I enjoyed the tour.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Absolutely gorgeous post,Lorna!

Hootin Anni said...

Wow....just plain wow. Love this post. The art especially.

Mine today is the Annual Jazz Festival in town. Come by if you can. CLICK HERE

Have a glorious Wednesday.

Becky K. said...

S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G.

Love the history and beauty of places like these.

Becky K.
Hospitality Lane

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a wonderful tour. Thanks so much for sharing your pictures with us. Have a great week and enjoy Outdoor Wednesday.

Regina said...

Beautiful and gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.

"My Post Here"

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Thanks for the wonderful tour...and I think I'll be putting this one on my list!!!

Ms. Bake-it said...

Huntington is a beautiful mansion and what a fabulous art collection it has. I enjoyed the tour very much!

Thank you!

~ Tracy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Lorna, what a tour that was! Such a grand and beautiful place. I enjoyed seeing all of it. Thank you for the tour. laurie

Anonymous said...

ooo so pretty..

xinex said...

Thanks for taking us to the Huntington Library, Lorna. Everything in it is so exquisite! I would love to do a tablescape in that dining room, lol! The furnishings look like things you would see in a castle...Christine

CIELO said...

Hi... I'd like to invite you to our "Show Off Your Cottage Monday", next Monday, or any other monday from now on... ;) come share your love for your home with us...

cielo

Chandy said...

Wow, what a place! Hi, Lorna, how are you? Haven't been bloggin' lately either, huh? Hope you and I can be back soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Sweet Lorna~ I'm strolling in to catch up and especially to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
It's such a wonderful time to stop and reflect on all those we cherish and are truly grateful for.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to visit and leave feeling inspired!

Even though our Thanksgiving is very small in number, with hubby and son (we don't count the cat cause she doesn't like turkey). We don't scrimp on the menu...from appetizers to desserts with several carb loaded dishes in between! We will be enjoying tryptophan playoffs too!

Sweet Holiday wishes,
Sara

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVE going to the Huntington Library!

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