Louis Comfort Tiffany: Nature By Design.June 20 – October 25, 2009 Louis Comfort Tiffany: Nature by Design will explore the oeuvres of Louis Comfort Tiffany within the context of Art Nouveau style and the Aesthetic Movement focusing on nature in his designs. Tiffany was the foremost proponent of the use of natural motifs in furniture, ceramics, metalwork and jewelry in America. “Many of the works included in this exhibit have never before been on public display, including a furniture suite from Shelburne Museum’s permanent collection that has recently been restored and will be exhibited together for the first time,” said Senior Curator Jean Burks, who is organizing the exhibit. The exhibition will feature over 75 works on loan from museums and private collections including lamps, stained glass, jewelry, ceramics and glass vessels. A catalogue will accompany the exhibit. The visitor will begin by exploring the Music Room and the unique confluence of Tiffany’s innovative aesthetics and the Havemeyer’s taste. Featuring furniture from the Shelburne collection as well as loans from major public institutions and private lenders, the exhibit will introduce visitors to Tiffany and the Aesthetic Movement, which began in America in the late 1870’s. A second gallery will be devoted exclusively to Tiffany’s floral-inspired lamps which reveal his genius as a colorist and luminist. Leaded glass shades like the poppy and peony, which are complemented by the virtuosity of their sculptural bronze bases, will be included here. The intent of this gallery will be to broaden the public’s understanding of the range of his production. A third gallery will feature a selection of vessels that represent his exploration into the media of ceramics and glass and Tiffany’s unique interpretation of nature and the American Art Nouveau style. A final gallery will help the visitor understand how Tiffany & Co.—the silver and jewelry firm founded by Tiffany’s father—played a critical role in developing Louis Comfort Tiffany’s taste and introduced his innovative metalwork and jewelry designs to the world. Tiffany has a connection to museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb (1888-1960) who grew up in a New York City home designed by Tiffany. Webb was the daughter of art collectors and patrons Henry O. and Lousine Elder Havemeyer. She grew up in an environment that developed her taste and appreciation for the fine and decorative arts. In addition to their passion for avant garde paintings, the Havemeyers enlisted Tiffany to design their Fifth Avenue home. Shelburne Museum owns the entire suite of Tiffany furniture that was originally installed in the Music Room of the Havemeyer’s mansion at 1 East 66th Street. The settee, six side chairs, two arm chairs and two tables have recently been researched, restored and will be exhibited together to the public for the first time in Louis Comfort Tiffany: Nature by Design. |
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