When I think of Tiffany's, there's a confluence of three simultaneous thoughts:
- Audrey Hepburn and "Breakfast at…"
- Little blue boxes
- Beautiful stained glass lamps
When I think of Biltmore Estate, there's another three-tiered thought parade:
- My honeymoon in Asheville, NC (a beautiful Southern city with a thriving arts community and a profusion of field-to-table, chef-owned, beyond-scrumptious restaurants).
- Lavish gardens, blooming in four Seasons, floral Southern living at its best.
- The Biltmore House, the largest private residence in America, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau.
But when you put "Tiffany" and "Biltmore" together, you can expect special … unforgettable … masterpiece.
Now through October, the Biltmore Legacy is hosting The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in the Antler Hill Village; an exhibit of 45 lamps and peripheral items created by Louis Comfort Tiffany and The Tiffany Studios, free with Estate admission.
My husband and I made a quick trip to the Biltmore Estate over the July Fourth holiday, and while the fireworks at the Inn that night were spectacular, the exhibit's Tiffany lamps were the true show stoppers–softly glowing illuminated masterpieces, every. single. one. of. them.
Succinctly put, the Tiffany exhibit is excellent–informative, interesting and accessible. The companion content is easy to read and just the right amount of information.
Observers can learn about the process of creating a Tiffany lamp—
Tiffany and company channeled inspiration from nature; floral motifs and dragonflies dominate—
Some designs depict wildlife–
…and others Still Life…
And sometimes simple is more than enough…. I love the cozy, pleated "curtain" look of this shade.
And the next two have me thinkin' of Monet and his waterlilies….
I couldn't choose a favorite if I tried–and I did try. This lamp tried hard to win first place with its accompanying moth lamp screen; an accessory Tiffany created to help shield glare from early light bulbs. Isn't it darling?
If you're interested in seeing and reading more, please check out the rest of my Flickr set from our Biltmore trip.
And if you have some time between now and October 23, I encourage you to beat the Summer heat and visit Asheville, NC, with a stop at Biltmore Estate; The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass exhibit is included at no additional charge.
Warm thanks to my Biltmore friends for putting us up for the night at the fabulous Inn at Biltmore. Though they provided a gorgeous complimentary night's stay, I hope it's obvious my enthusiasm for this exhibit rests solely on it's own fabulosity!
I bet you had so much fun!! And the lamp with the butterfly shield is my fav too—–I am now plotting to don a catsuit and break into the Biltmore so I can have it for my own 😉
Such loveliness!
–S.S.
oh, i haven’t been to biltmore in years….and i only live 2 hours away! as a kid i adored that there is a swimming pool in the basement. great pics!
Sounds like Ashville needs to be on my travel “someday when the children are old enough to not have to stop every hour on the road” list. Or better yet… “travel when the children are all old enough to stay at grandma and grandpa’s!” I’ll let you know when we’re headed your way. 😉
What a cool exhibit! I live here in Asheville–can’t believe I didn’t know about it.
We must have just missed this exhibit when we were there last month! Those lamps are GORGEOUS.
Sara Sophia,
It makes me smile to think of you in a catsuit! I can *see* it :). If only the Biltmore treasures were pocket size…and there weren't a thousand eyes watching you…and it wasn't, you know, illegal to take parting gifts :).
xo
Kendal,
I found myself wondering about the pool this time; how were they able to clean it??? How often was the water drained? Oh, don't you know it was CRAZY at times there? If you haven't been to the Biltmore House in years, NOW would be the perfect time! It has changed a lot in the past two years, so you might be surprised. TRY to get there before the Tiffany exhibit leaves!!! You'll be glad.
Amy,
If you're ever able to make to a Type-A conference, it'll be easypeasy to include on your visit. It really does net to be on your Bucket List…the house is unforgettable for a reason. A BIG one :).
Sommer,
YOU LIVE IN ASHEVILLE? I had no idea! Next time I'm there, I'd love to cross paths!
And this exhibit? It's in Antler Village and your really must try to make it; can you tell I loved it??? 🙂
Jo-Lynne,
I hate the exhibit began after y'all were there; it's absolutely worth the time and I think it's wonderful it's INCLUDED in House admission. It'd be worth it to pay a little extra for the privilege….
Super cool! I love that lightbulb shade! My parents have an antique fire shade…same idea, you just put it in front of the first to block your face from melting. And it’s on a giant stand. So, it’s not really the same. But…
*whew*
Never mind.
What I meant to say was I LOVE THAT PEACOCK lamp! Beautiful!
a
You put it in front of the FIRE. Not the FIRST. Because that totally doesn’t make sense. (Unlike the rest of that comment…)
Looks lovely! Biltmore is on those “one of these days” lists for me … I don’t think my husband would enjoy it very much, but maybe …
Oh wow… these are beautiful Robin! Love seeing the process. Thanks so much for sharing your trip! Looks like so much fun. 🙂
I worked an event a few years ago and one of the stops was the Biltmore. I had absolutely no idea what to expect but I LOVED it! So full of history and absolutely beautiful. So glad you got to go!
Oooh, I like that curtain lamp! I’d love to visit the Biltmore sometime. I’ve heard so many friends talk about it, and it just sounds amazing.