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,