history

At Home in Colonial Williamsburg with Anthony Baratta

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Stacey Bewkes   •   7 Comments
It was a childhood trip to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia that started it all for designer Anthony Baratta. Inspired by the history, architecture and beauty of this 18th century living museum, Baratta developed his passion for history and design. Known for his bold, colorful, pattern-loving take on American style, it was not surprising that Williamsburg chose him to become their first Designer in Residence, inviting Baratta to live in the historic Palmer House and reimagine the circa 1750 residence as his own.…
Posted in architecture, art, art history, At Home with, furniture, history, interior design, Quintessence video series, travel, video | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments  

Nantucket Historical Association at the 2019 Winter Show

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Stacey Bewkes   •   2 Comments
Nantucket Historical Association at the Winter Show 2019
While many visit Nantucket for its beautiful beaches, charming cobblestone streets and rose covered cottages, those of us who annually frequent the Grey Lady’s shores know she also holds a special place of significance in our country’s cultural history. It is therefore fitting, that at the start of its 125th anniversary, the Nantucket Historical Association, is proud to be the loan exhibit at the 2019 Winter Show.…
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Nantucket Friday Favorites – Oldest House Reimagined

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Stacey Bewkes   •   3 Comments
NYSID students reimagine Nantucket Oldest House
For the third year, as part of Nantucket by Design, NYSID students were invited to reimagine the front rooms of Nantucket’s Oldest House. Overseen by Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at NYSID, Ellen Fisher, the project is a great hands-on collaboration with the NHA, spotlighting the island’s historic property and showcasing the talent and creativity of the students.…
Posted in architecture, art, furniture, games, history, interior design, Nantucket, travel | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments  

Happy Anniversary Maria Mitchell

Posted on June 24, 2018 by Stacey Bewkes   •   3 Comments
Maria Mitchell exhibit at the NHA Whaling Museum
When you think of Nantucket, perhaps beautiful beaches, cobblestone streets and rose covered cottages come to mind, but this small island is also home to one of the most pioneering women in the history of science. This year celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Maria Mitchell [pronounced “mə-RYE-ə”], America’s first female astronomer and to commemorate the occasion, the Nantucket Historical Association has collaborated with the Maria Mitchell Association on an exhibition at the Whaling Museum, below.…
Posted in history, learning, Nantucket, travel | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments  

The Art, Science and Beauty of Time

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Stacey Bewkes   •   4 Comments
BEAUTY OF TIME _cover
While seemingly at odds, art and science are often inextricably intertwined. And perhaps no place is this more evident than in the instruments that capture the beauty of time. I am hardly alone in my fascination with timepieces, those form meet function wonders that combine artistic expertise, engineering and amazing craftsmanship. …
Posted in art, art history, design, history, jewelry | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments  

The Versailles You’ve Never Seen

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   9 Comments
Versailles
You’ve made the requisite pilgrimage to Versailles and seen the storied chateau, in all likelihood with throngs of others. The Hall of Mirrors was glorious, the magnificent gardens sublime but in truth, you saw only a small portion of the great and hidden splendors of the Sun King’s Palace.…
Posted in architecture, art, art history, design, garden, history, interior design, photography, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments  

The Timeless Attraction of Toile

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   13 Comments
Another story in the 30th anniversary issue of Veranda that resonated with personal relevance was the icon selection in the style section celebrating the timeless appeal of toile. Ever since 1760 when Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf founded his textile factory in Jouy-en-Josas outside of Paris, Toile de Jouy has been a mainstay in the world of design.…
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The Story Behind the Style: Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   18 Comments
Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa
It always seems to come down to the story behind the style. Without that, there is no substance, no narrative, no authenticity. It is why I am always digging to find that backstory for you, to experience, inspire and inform. For my own home, I may have a vague vision in my head, but as I am not a designer, it frequently takes me a while to find exactly what I want.…
Posted in art, art history, design, history, interior design | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments  

A Look at How They Decorated with Author P. Gaye Tapp

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   12 Comments
How They Decorated cover-1
It was no surprise when long time blogging friend, decorator and now author, Gaye Tapp  shared her book idea for How They Decorated with me. Passionate about the intersection of fashion and interiors as well as how the past informs today, Gaye has amassed a following fascinated by her astute and insightful musings.…
Posted in architecture, art, books, design, fashion, furniture, history, interior design | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments  

Nantucket Friday Favorite Finds V | Nantucket by Design 2017

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   1 Comment
Greydon House exterior Nantucket
While Friday has somehow segued to Sunday, this week’s favorite find from here on Nantucket has to be Nantucket by Design 2017. Building on the momentum established with last year’s debut, the collection of week-long events benefitting the Nantucket Historical Association, hit the ground running with the VIP cocktail party I highlighted in the last post.…
Posted in architecture, art, design, history, interior design, Nantucket, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment