Garden Tour 2015: Masterpiece Photos
The Guests
The Grounds
The Fashion Show
The Food
The Boutique
Friends and Helpers
The Concierge… Read More
Say it with Flowers by Sunday Taylor
A diary of activities and events happening at the beautiful Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills. Six acres of gardens and a Beaux-Arts house built in 1911, this hidden gem sits above Sunset Blvd, right behind the Beverly Hills Hotel. Topics will be as varied as the camellias blooming in January, the vegetable garden class taught by executive director Tim Lindsay, or the planning of the annual Garden Tour put on by the Friends of Robinson Gardens. Hopefully it will capture the magic and allure of this enchanting property and all it has to offer.
— Written by Sunday Taylor… Read More
A Robinson Gardens Fountain Story
A Robinson Gardens Fountain Story
I recently shared the surprise of many first-time visitors to Robinson Gardens, wondering how something so impressive and delightful could be kept such a relative secret. Quickly enough this reaction was overtaken by discovery. The curious silence of the palm garden, the seeming endlessness of the landscape’s jig-sawed sections, its easy mixing of symmetry and asymmetry, the exotic, large trees—and the property’s many fountains with their playful complications, wove together a special elegance and identity.
My work as a fountain designer has allowed me to visit and study many of the world’s famous fountains, and … Read More
Turner at the Getty
Turner at the Getty
If you’re in the mood to be captivated by Modern art, go see the exhibition “J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free” at the Getty Center. The Fellows of VRG were warmly welcomed by James Cuno, President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust on March 3, 2015.
It was a magnificent visit. The exhibition is jointly organized with London’s Tate Britain Museum where it was seen last fall and the de Young Museum in San Francisco where it travels in June.
It’s Abstraction at its best. Turner reveals his interpretation of pastoral Europe and its journey … Read More
Message from the Presidents
Message from the Presidents
What an honor it is to be the Presidents of the Friends of Robinson Gardens at a time when there are so many changes and improvements underway. There is activity at the estate every day. With our increased hours of operation, the Tuesday through Saturday tours have increased 54%. From our educational, gardening and botanical classes to the frequent photo shoots, there is never a dull moment.
Our Children’s Program, led by Greer Saunders, has been very successful due to the generosity of the Foundations which have supported us and the countless hours given by our … Read More
Mayor’s Walk to Robinson Gardens
Mayor’s Walk to Robinson Gardens
The Friends were pleased to welcome the Monday morning Mayor’s Walk group of 100 residents as our very first large group of visitors. Mayor Lili Bosse of Beverly Hills led her Healthy City Walk group from City Hall and walked them up to Robinson Gardens. Volunteers provided snacks and water and all gathered on the tennis court as they listened to remarks by Superintendent Tim Lindsay, followed by docent led tours of the grounds.
Maralee Beck Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation
Maralee Beck Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation
Maralee Beck, a past recipient of the Friends of Robinson Gardens’ Spirit of Beverly Hills Award, was given another well-deserved honor, a Certificate of Appreciation, from the city of Los Angeles for her many valuable contributions. It is signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, joining a beautiful proclamation from Beverly Hills, signed by Mayor Lili Bosse. Maralee is a real treasure for Virginia Robinson Gardens. She played an influential role in making Robinson Gardens Beverly Hills Historic Landmark #2 and was also instrumental in expanding the visitation hours for the Gardens and the ability … Read More
English Country Houses: Part II
English Country Houses: Part II
“Tim is truly a treasure for Robinson Gardens; we are so lucky to have him,” exclaimed Marian Power, our Chair of Education Programs, as she introduced Timothy Lindsay, the Superintendent of Robinson Gardens. He proceeded to give us the second part of his lecture on great English Country Houses. Tim attended the prestigious Attingham Summer School Program in Southern England for 17 days where museum professionals visited numerous estates and their magnificent gardens.
Chatsworth, one of the grandest English houses, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is also one of the most visited. … Read More
A Glamorous Tradition Continues
A Glamorous Tradition Continues
On May 16, 2015, Virginia Robinson Gardens will open its doors wide for a special day. The house and gardens will be transformed for the “2015…into the garden Masterpiece Tour.” This annual fundraising event includes a self-guided tour of three Westside private gardens and the Robinson estate, as a design showcase, with each room embellished by well-known florists and designers. Concierge and VIP van level ticket holders will be able to visit a special fourth private garden.
The designer list, to date, includes Nicole Antoine/Frette, Kathleen Spiegelman, Christofle, Cartier, White Design, Contemporary Catering, and Kenneth Boyer. … Read More
Hollyhock, Ennis House and Neutra’s Home
Hollyhock, Ennis House and Neutra’s Home
The Fellows visited Olive Hill, otherwise known as Hollyhock, where we were blessed with a beautiful, chilly, and crisp clear day. The guest curator for the event was renowned Frank Lloyd Wright and Modernist architecture scholar Kathryn Smith. Upon our arrival, we saw the majestic abode designed for the daring Aline Barnsdall, who raced cars, had oil fields, and traveled the world, extensively pursuing the arts. She commissioned from Wright an estate for the hill that she envisioned as a self-sustaining complex meant to house acting and literary thespians.
While Wright was in Japan … Read More