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The elegant
Electra Havemeyer Webb memorial
building (seen in the left corner above) sits
atop a hill at the Shelburne Museum looking out over the museum
grounds. Though it is one of the few non-historic buildings on the
grounds of the
Shelburne Museum, it contains some of the
most significant pieces in the collection.
Foyer of the E.H.W. memorial Building
(for an aerial view of stairs click on image) The structure itself was built on the museum grounds
in the 1960s. The exterior resembles Greek revival architecture.
The interior was built to house rooms replicating Mrs. Webb's
childhood family apartment in New York City. When Electra Havemeyer
Webb passed away, her wish was to have her parent's collection
transported to the Shelburne Museum. The six rooms in the
house are filled with the original furniture from
the Manhattan apartment and are complimented by an impressive
collection of artwork which also came from the apartment.
Though the building is named for
Mrs. Webb, her intent was for it to be a memorial for her
parents
Louisine and
Harry. The artwork of the Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial
building is mostly European, compared with the American objects
that comprise the rest of the Shelburne Museum. This building is a
reflection of Electra's childhood, family life, and her parents'
ambitious roles as art collectors. The collection of
the E.H.W. Memorial Building hosts artwork passed down from her
parents. This diverse collection includes paintings by
Cassatt, Corot, Courbet, Degas, Manet, Monet, and Rembrandt. Asian prints,
various types of sculpture, and family photos also adorn the
building. The story behind the acquired pieces and the influential people
who chose them, offers insight as to how
the Shelburne Museum was realized.
See Photos of the E.H.W. Memorial Building interior. |
