My vignette is a tribute to Louise "Lulu" Thoron Endicott . Louise summered at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers and was not afraid to dig in and get her hands dirty, tending to the gardens she loved.
The designers were all given an 8' x 5' space to use. I came into this process a little late (typical for me!) and had about five minutes to come up with an idea. All the other areas were of "inside" rooms, so I decided to take mine "outside". Although I wouldn't consider this a "shed", it's more like a very comfortable potting room. All floral arrangements had to be "faux", so as not to bring insects into the building. I purchased all the flowers and bulbs from Grenon's Trading Company in Bedford, NH. They have a wonderful selection of artificial flowers and herbs (quite real looking!) , pots, ribbons, crafts and even fake dirt!! I "potted" all my own arrangements to get into the mood of the vignette. Playing with fake dirt is even messier than the real thing!
The table, chair and sundial (hidden behind the chair in this picture) are from the historical society's own collection. The framed photographs were scanned from original photos (circa 1920) taken of the Glen Magna Farms gardens and buildings. Framing was done by Rose Framing (me!). An antique crate holds glass jars of vegetable seeds. The bench to the left was a special find to complete the room - real hickory branches make up the legs and the cushion looks like a needlepoint rug bursting with bright gold sunflowers.
Mary Donovan from First Rugs of Danvers and Acton, MA provided most of the wonderful rugs used at the show. The one in my vignette is a hand knotted wool Pakistani in a Persian Sultanabad design. A special thanks to Gabriella Fitzgerald from Inspired Designs of Topsfield for making my chair cushion.
Saturday, July 10th was our preview party. The vignettes were "unwrapped" and Tapley Hall was transformed into wonderful nooks of design.
Sandra Biondo, Sandra Biondo Interiors, Danvers MA, Chairwoman of the event and all around miracle worker, (She held the rain off for our party!) created this lovely Art Deco style vignette along with several others.
I just want to acknowledge Sandra Biondo (Chairwoman) and Cathy Gareri (Coordinator) for going above and beyond in order to pull the show and all its events together! You ladies are truly superwomen!
We are very grateful for the attendance of Keith Lemerise, Publisher, Coastal Home Magazine, Gail Ravgiala, Editor, Design New England Magazine, Andrea Kolden, New England Home and Eric Roth, Eric Roth Photography, renowned photographer of high-end interiors. Having such notables in the field of design publications gives us validation for all the hard work that went into creating the vignettes.
Come out and see the show! July 11 - August 1, 2010. Tapley Memorial Hall, Page Street, Danvers, MA. Show hours: Wednesdays 10-4, Thursdays 10-7, Fridays 10-7, Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 1-4. Proceeds benefit the preservation mission of the Danvers Historical Society. For more information on Glen Magna Farms Garden Tours and events associated with the show, please contact the Danvers Historical Society Office: dhs@danvershistory.org or 978-777-1666.
"Life takes us to unexpected places...Love brings us home." - taken from the chair pillow used in the vignette. (Who knew pillows could be so wise!)
As an avid gardener, your space at the show is a favorite of mine, plus I really love the story behind it! Oh, and that needlepoint-rug-covered bench? Fabulous! I will be posting more photos from the show on my design blog over the next couple of weeks, so be sure to come visit! See you on the 21st at the Designer High Tea (if not before then).
ReplyDeletexo yvonne