Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Things That Inspire

The London art studio of John Singer Sargent, first leased in 1885.

For a regular dose of art, design and architectural history, I love to visit fellow blogger, Things That Inspire. Her posts are always well researched and supported by multiple illustrated examples. Sometimes she reignites my interest in forgotten motifs, sometimes she introduces me to something totally new. Either way, it's like attending a favorite class in design school. Last week, her post on the artist studio of John Singer Sargent left such an impression that I immediately recognized the same large window when flipping through January's W Magazine.

Now owned by Sir Evelyn and Lady de Rothschild, Sargent's former studio space has been transformed into a modern living room, with certain classic elements preserved (like the pilasters flanking the window) and others updated. Designed by David Mlinaric, a minimalist approach was taken to compliment the impressive art collection, which includes Luc Tyman (above the fireplace), Cy Twombly, Barbara Hepworth and Sargent himself.

A John Singer Sargent drawing of Sir Evelyn's grandmother, Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild.

Of the state-of-the-art renovation and the decision to keep interiors muted, Sir Evelyn compares this home to those more traditionally English. "When you inherit, you're very lucky to have a wonderful backdrop of art. But sometimes you want to add to it, and you can't because it's complete and there's nothing you can really do except preserve it."

For more on the newly renovated space, see W Magazine. For more on John Singer Sargent and his former work space, see Things That Inspire.

11 comments:

blah said...

oo isnt that big window great! Look at the veneering/ inlay in that table in the last picture - lovely detailing

diana murphy said...

Wonderful! (I'm kind of obsessed with JSS. Hadn't seen the W piece until now.) You and TTI amaze and delight with your thoughtful insights and rich, illustrative exposition. Thanks to you both.

Style Court said...

Interesting that Michael Smith didn't work on this project -- unless I read too quickly?

Things That Inspire said...

Wow! I did my daily check of your blog, and was flattered so see my post referenced!

The site where I got my data must be a bit outdated, because they said that the British artist Julian Barrow lives there. He certainly lived there in 1994 when the portrait of Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher were painted, because he loaned out the studio. But, 1994 was a long time ago (although it seems like it was just last year! I must be getting old).

Thank you for the update on this space! This kind of thing is right up my alley...researching something, and having it come to a very satisfactory conclusion. I will edit my post and reference to yours. A great bit of teamwork!

girl meets glamour said...

Wow, love window...I would die to have a window like that in my place!! Great post, I will be sure to check out this issue of W.

~Kate

Mrs. Blandings said...

Beautiful post - good eye.

Habitually Chic said...

What a wonderful post! Can you imagine living in the same place that John Singer Sargent painted! What a legacy. I can't wait to read the January W on the plane ride home.

Suzy said...

Great post! I love Things that Inspire too, and so true that visiting this blog is like attending a favorite class at design school. Hope you both keep up the good work!

Pink Wallpaper said...

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Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

That is a beautiful window, and I too love Things That Inspire! Great work, great minds, great inspiration!

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