A striking exhibition marking the evolution of women artists over the course of 300-years is now on display at the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York.
Presented inside both the Lyndhurst mansion and in its exhibition gallery, this extraordinary "Women's Work" show features more than 125 works including approximately 50 contemporary pieces mainly created after 1970 by mostly American women artists from diverse backgrounds, placed in conversation next to historic antecedents from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Earlier this week, I shared images of the historic mansion itself - its many rooms and furnishings. Here are photos of a selection of items included in the exhibit, which is on view now through Monday, September 26th.
The “Women’s Work” exhibit was curated by Lyndhurst’s Executive Director Howard Zar, Nancy Carlisle of Historic New England, and Rebecca R. Hart, an independent contemporary art curator. The show displays historic examples of domestic handcrafted items alongside objects made by contemporary women artists who incorporated the same artistic traditions in their practices.
Many of the pieces are presented in this exhibition gallery on the Lyndhurst grounds. The groupings are intended to show the wide breadth of techniques used to create the pieces over time.
Here from left to right: “Tile Palette” by an unknown maker used by Jane Armstrong Tucker and Celia Thaxter/Haviland & Co., “Teacup and Saucer,” Jane Armstrong Tucker/Haviland & Co., “Plate,” Judy Chicago, “Virginia Wolf Test Plate #1 for The Dinner Party,” Emily Cole, “Monarda Cabinet Plate,” “Untitled (Strawberries),” and Emily Cole’s “Cream Pitcher.”
The “Knit Wool Rug” in the foreground was made by Elvira Curtis Hulett when she was 88-years old living with Shakers in Massachusetts. It shows her attention to detail as well as the utilitarian functionality so often shown in Shaker pieces. Above it on the wall is a more contemporary work by Miriam Schapiro called “Golden Pinwheel” which was made using braided and knitted wool.
Hand stitching was the most time consuming of the skills learned by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Aside from housework, sewing the family’s clothes and linens took up most of a woman’s daily tasks.
On the left is a quilt by renowned African American quilter, Mozell Stephens Benson in 1991. The center piece is Faith Ringgold’s “Feminist Series: Of My Two Handicaps #10.” Faith is known for popularizing the story quilt, a quilt with pictures and textures used primarily to tell a story. On the right is “Bars Quilt” made by Amish artist Elizabeth Yoder between 1870 and 1880.
This is a contemporary “Checkered Quilted Workwear Jacket” made of cotton and hand-tied yarn by Emily Bode – clothing made with modern fabrics and inspired by traditional practices.
This is called “Pantaloncini: Work No. 069” by Angela Ellsworth. These bloomers replicate those worn by 19th century women under their dresses. These garments became a symbol for women’s rights because they represented a lack of movement and the need for freedom. This piece is made using more than 50-thousand brightly colored dress pins and faux pearl corsage pins.
This is a scallop-shell-patterned needlepoint seat cushion – one of 12 made by First Lady Martha Washington around 1801, after the death of her husband, President George Washington.
In this installation, a wax figure by Sarah Gardner Gee made in the 1700s from wax, silk, linen, glass, shells, and wood, next to “Curupira,” by Shary Boyle in 2014. It shows a young women dressed in fancy clothing with fruit suggesting abundance and fertility displayed with a figure showing vulnerability and fear.
This “Dressing Gown” by an unknown maker was made between 1862 and 1864 out of wool, silk, taffeta, and cotton.
Many of the exhibit’s pieces are also displayed in various rooms of the mansion. They are loosely positioned in areas where they may have most naturally been used.
Here is a set of topsy turvy dolls in the child’s bed of the master bed chamber. The dolls are skirted figures that display a different face when turned upside-down. One made by an unknown woman in the 1860s on the left and two created by the artist Kiki Smith in 2002 – “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Owl and Pussycat.”
Contemporary artist Liza Lou created this piece in 2006. Look closely – it is made entirely with beads and aptly named the “Loo.”
Liza also made the popcorn box and popcorn in the back of this case, again all with beads. The beadwork of Northeastern Indigenous tribes has been known as an art of survival. The other pieces were likely done in the mid 19th century also using Indigenous beading techniques.
On this bed, another quilt created by one of the woman servants. Quilting was influenced by a need to provide proper cold weather bed coverings, but over time, also became a very artistic and expressive art form.
The tableau in the Lyndhurst Library features silhouette pieces by Idelle Weber, Kara Walker, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. Silhouettes were very popular in the 19th century as a more affordable art form compared to painted portraits. These were often done as parlor activities in the home.
Kathleen Ryan, “Bad Lemon” or “Sour Blush,” made this in 2020 out of aventurine, smokey quartz, rhodonite, calcite, quartz, labradorite, green line jasper, kambaba jasper, pink opal, citrine, amethyst, rose quartz, agate, serpentine, pink lepidolite, malachite, mother of pearl, freshwater pearl, bone, glass, acrylic, and steel pins on coated polystyrene. She was known to carve larger than life fruits into Styrofoam and then cover them with semi-precious stones and glass beads. The rotted sections of the fruit show the national economic decline during that time.
An unknown woman artist created this “Beaded Fruit” piece in the mid-20th century using synthetic beads and straight pins. The beads likely came from a kit sold to female home hobbyists during the Depression.
This is called “Murmur.” Made of wax, silk, and wire in 2009 by artist Valerie Hammond. It combines flora, fauna, and the human body in various gestures.
After the Civil War, home decorating became more common. Victorians were great fans of nature and horticulture. Below is “Floral Wreath” by an unknown artist made with wool and silk in a gilt wood frame. On top is Portia Munson’s 2012 “Morning Glory Mandala” using pigmented ink on Hahnemuhle paper.
The “Women’s Work” exhibit continues through the summer – catch it if you can. And please visit Lyndhurst – the historic estate will inform, intrigue, and inspire you.
A four-year old Bloodhound named “Trumpet” is this year’s top dog after winning “Best in Show” at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
This week, more than 3500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds and varieties competed for top honors, including two newly eligible breeds - the Mudi, a Hungarian herding dog, and the Russian Toy. The annual show runs for several days. It kicks off with the Annual Masters Agility Championship, where performance dogs climb, jump, weave, and sprint their way through a series of course obstacles. Then three days are dedicated to breed competitions. Dogs are exhibited in seven different groups, organized by the original work that each breed was developed to do. The groups include Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers, and Toy breeds. For the second year, the show was held on the grounds of the 67-acre Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a wonderful way to learn about the many different types of dogs. I enjoy going to this show every year, especially when my own dogs or their relatives, and dogs I know, are competing.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
This is the statue of “Sensation” – a gorgeous Pointer and the Westminster Kennel Club mascot. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show launched in 1877 and is now one of the longest continuously running American sporting events, second only to the Kentucky Derby.
The breed shows happen in large rings, where the dogs are walked around to display their gaits and overall appearance. Here at Lyndhurst, there were a total of eight rings and each breed class is scheduled a time to compete during the day.
This is the Boston Terrier. Known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is lively, smart, and affectionate with a gentle, even temperament.
This dog is waiting to go into the ring and working its charm for a treat from its handler.
The Shar Pei is a dog breed from southern China. The breed is well known for its deep wrinkles around the head, neck, and shoulders.
The dogs do not compete against each other, but against the standard of the breed – the dog’s ideal description for appearance, movement, and temperament described by the breed’s parent club. These Airedales may all look the same, but to the judge’s discerning eye, each one is very different.
In the ring, the dogs are asked to line up in a stack, so the judge can easily walk by each one and assess its appearance. I am sure you recognize this breed – the French Bulldog.
Show dogs are very used to all the grooming. Some breeds need more grooming than others – it is important to consider this whenever thinking of adding a dog to your family. The Bichon Frise is a member of the Non-Sporting Group of dog breeds in the US. The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog with a merry temperament.
Here is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the red and white colored variety called Blenheim. Its ears are lightly wrapped to keep them well-groomed before entering the ring.
Owners stay with their dogs in the benching area, so visitors can meet the different breeds. The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog of Nordic descent. The double coat consists of a short dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured longer outer coat. The heavily plumed tail is one of the characteristics of the breed.
These Lhasa Apsos look ready to show. This breed is a Non-Sporting dog breed originating in Tibet. It was bred as an indoor sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries, to alert the monks to any intruders who entered.
Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniatures are 15 inches or under; Toys stand no more than 10 inches. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. This Poodle is shown in the continental cut The Continental cut where the face, throat, feet, tail, legs, and hindquarters are shaved.
The Yorkshire Terrier is another breed that needs a lot of grooming for its silky, straight coat. These small dogs are popular companion animals. Ideally its maximum size is seven-pounds.
Teaching your dog to be still is very helpful when brushing out their coat or trimming hairs on their feet. The Schipperke, Belgium’s “little captain,” is the traditional barge dog of the Low Countries. This breed is curious, lively, fun-loving, intense, and can be quite mischievous.
The Scottish Terrier, popularly known as a “Scottie,” is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size distinctive furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, hardy, well balanced sporting terrier, square in outline. He is distinguished by his soft, silky, gently waving coat of warm wheaten color and his particularly steady disposition. This dog is cooling itself by spreading his entire body over the grass.
Tipping the scales at no more than 12 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important. This breed come in four colors including red, black-and-reddish-brown, black and tan, and black. It also comes in a smooth coat, or in a rough coat.
Bull Terriers are robust, big-boned terriers. The breed’s hallmark is a long, egg-shaped head with erect and pointed ears, and small, triangular eyes.
Like most hairless dog breeds, the Chinese Crested Dog comes in two varieties, with and without hair, which can be born in the same litter.
Juniors are also invited to enter if they have been awarded Best Junior Handler at a number of member shows the previous year and who are at least nine years old and under 18. These talented handlers come from across the country to be judged on their dog handling skills.
And look who else is competing. This is Buddakan – my late G.K.’s son. He is a gorgeous specimen of the breed, and currently one of the top Chows in the country.
Here is Buddakan in the ring. He is an excellent performer and loves to compete.
His handler is Jan Kolnik. Here she is stacking Buddakan as the judge looks on from a distance – he really likes Buddakan.
And he won! Buddakan is this year’s Best of Breed – a great honor! He moves on to compete in the Best in Group competition. After the breed winners are chosen, they are photographed with their judge. Here he is with Jan and his owner, Trina Rothrock. Buddakan did a great job – I am so proud of him.
In the end, all these dogs are loved members of their families and alway go home winners. When thinking about sharing your home with a dog, always do your homework first and read as much as possible about the breeds and breed mixes that interest you.
If you're ever in or near Westchester County, New York, please take some time to visit Lyndhurst, a magnificent Gothic Revival country estate located on 67 sweeping acres along the banks of the Hudson River in Tarrytown.
Lyndhurst was owned and shaped by three prominent area families - The Pauldings, The Merritts, and lastly, by railroad tycoon and financier, Jay Gould. Purchased in 1880, Jay occupied the home until his death in 1892. In 1961, his daughter Anna Gould donated it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The estate features 16 elaborately decorated rooms - many lovingly restored and including original furniture left in the home. The surrounding park is an outstanding example of 19th-century landscape design with expansive lawns, specimen tree groves, and curved carriage roads. The property also includes a Bowling Alley, a Laundry Building, a Pool House, and the exterior of what was once considered the largest private greenhouse complex in the country.
The mansion was designed in 1838 by architect Alexander Jackson Davis in a romantic Gothic Revival style. The original structure was doubled in size between 1864-1867 to what is seen today.
Lyndhurst is situated beside the Hudson River about a half mile south of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formerly known as the Tappan Zee Bridge. On a clear day, one can see New York City.
The property boasts some beautiful mature trees – some planted in stands and some singly.
This is the apple orchard – planted so the family could enjoy home grown fruits in the dead of winter.
The main house has a soaring two-floor Art Gallery, which was once also used as a library and billiards room. Today, the room is filled with 19th century academic paintings along with Tiffany glass windows and other period furnishings designed by Davis.
The walls of the gallery are filled with gilt-framed paintings.
This bed chamber is called the East Bedroom and was the master bedroom of the home. It includes the Gothic Revival oak bed.
In this photo, one can see how the rooms were preserved – looking much as they did in the 1800s.
The Dining Room at Lyndhurst still contains the original Gothic Revival dining table and chairs designed by Alexander Jackson Davis for the Merrit Family in 1865,
This green parlor and sitting room includes something very special. Take a look at the back left corner…
…this antique terrarium is a recent purchase for Lyndhurst. It was bought from my own Great American Tag Sale and added to the room’s decor.
Not far from the Dining Room was the Butler’s Pantry, where the fine china, crystal, and silver were all stored.
This beautiful spiral wood back staircase takes visitors up to the fifth floor tower where one can see panoramic views of the Hudson River and New York City as well as all the way down to the basement kitchen.
This is the cellar, where the family was able to store root vegetables. It is large and cool because of its location underground.
Just outside is where pickling and preserving was done.
And in this ice box – servants of Lyndhurst stored the milk and eggs.
Here is the main kitchen – still decorated with many of the 19th century cooking elements, tools and supplies. This room had great light and ample space – it was a dream to work in a kitchen like this one in its time.
Across from the kitchen, one could also see this building – designated as the Laundry Building.
Inside – large tables for folding, multiple large, deep sinks for washing, and more light and windows.
There were also two large mangles, or wringers – mechanical laundry aids consisting of two rollers in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and powered by a hand crank or by electricity. I love mangles and have them in every home for ironing sheets and other linens.
The servants’ rooms were also rather spacious. This one was likely occupied by the head of staff – it includes a bed, a small sitting area and a private bathroom.
This outdoor area was once used as the vegetable garden.
And not far from the main house is the Bowling Alley, one of the earliest bowling lanes in the United States. Anna Gould used the bowling alley for visiting soldiers during World War II. Although the structure fell into disrepair in the 1950s, it was restored and opened for public tours. The building was also used as a school where local women could learn sewing and other skills.
This parlor is just off the bowling lanes and was used for enjoying refreshments and socialization. This room leads to a 7000-square foot veranda with views of the river.
And just down the carriage road from the mansion is the Lyndhurst Perennial Rose Garden, now in bloom with more than 500 red and pink rose bushes. The garden was planted in 1911 in concentric circles around a central gazebo. The entire Lyndhurst estate is a wonderful and picturesque escape from the busy city – still as beautiful now as it was in the 1800s. Please visit the next time you are in the area. You can learn more about Lyndhurst on their web site at lyndhurst.org.
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