From our adventures at Arlington House last weekend. It was a ridiculously gorgeous day for the annual outing of the Center for Palladian Studies in America. This year, Washington! From Latrobe to Mills to Thornton, it was an architectural orgy, and an opportunity for me to look at my city from a different perspective. Funny how things can become so familiar that you don't really see them.Just a little plug ~ but I must say that the CPSA is a great organization. If you are even remotely interested in architecture, it is well worth the $30 to join. The journal alone is worth it!
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Arlington House is one of my favorite Virginia houses - I loved that it remained (at least last I went) a faded, comfortable, shabby gentile feel to the rooms . . . felt very authentic. KDM
The painting of the stucco on the body of the house to resemble marble is new since my last visit. The massive columns were painted with a bold, abstract gray veining on a white ground when I lived in D.C. in the 70s. But this salmon-colored finish, reminiscent of the real Tennessee Marble used for the National Gallery, is very attractive and, no doubt, a re-creation based on research.
KDM ~ it is feeling very shabby now. All the furniture is out currently, and the interior restoration has begun. I am intrigued to see what they do.
Classicist ~ the exterior restorations were recently completed. The house is brick, covered with cement, and faux finished to look like marble and sandstone. The appearance is quite amazing.
How did I not even know this group existed? I'm Palladio's biggest fan, lol! Joining TODAY
Stefan ~ you of all people should be involved! Such a great group. I have done the Annapolis and Washington, DC, tours and both were fantastic.
Well, dang, I didn't know about it either, and I can't access their website as my antivirus program is blocking it :-(
I'm blown away by the exterior finish, And of course, always have been by Arlington House anyway
I, too was drawn to the amazing exterior paint effects. You might find it interesting to see this post by Patrick Baty mentioning the copperas wash (not quite as artful as at Arlington House, admittedly) on the exteriors of Basildon Park, Berkshire, and Apsley House, London: http://bit.ly/iVhogA
Emile ~ I have some more paint effects to show you next week too! Fun with stucco. I did see Patrick's post this morning (I love waking up to the British twitter feed!).
Last time I visited Arlington House the guide began his remarks by "Do you know who Robert E. Less was?" He said many if not most visitors don't. Alas.
It is a wonderful house (and view). Love L'Enfant's marker there too.
JBR ~ good lord! And I thought people went there BECAUSE it was Lee's home.
Guide told me most people come because they're visiting the cemetery and wonder about the big house on the hill. Here's hoping they learn something during their visit.
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