T his year’s Patron Gala, A Century of Gracious Living, was filled with music, moonlight, monkeys, swimmers, tennis players and dear friends. The rich legacy of the past was gracefully linked to the present with a party inspired by the society write-ups and endless stories from those who knew the Robinsons best.
The proceeds from the Centennial Gala and our annual Benefit Garden Tour are used for the ongoing restoration of this 100-year-old estate. Those who attended these events had the opportunity to hear the lovely sound of Dale Witt playing on the completely restored 1911 Chickering Parlor Piano. J.R. Berens is to be commended for undertaking this massive project, which included restringing, replacing
needed parts and refinishing the exterior of the piano. In addition, Restoration Chair Ellen Levitt engaged Scott Flax, an architectural colorist, to determine the color palate for the dining room, morning room and entry hall. Mr. Flax took into account how the light (both natural and artificial) related to the color values. At the time the painting was done, the Friends also updated the electrical wiring in these rooms.Other restoration projects recently completed:
- A pair of paintings depicting architectural ruins from the XIX Century Italian School which hang in the living room have been cleaned and repaired.
- The Louis XV style fauteuils (armchairs), also part of the living room ensemble, have been restored and recovered in German Beaton velvet very similar to the original fabric.
I want to thank everyone whose generosity makes it possible to maintain the great vision of Harry and Virginia and their desire to share it with all of us.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Anderson