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This Gilded Age Conservatory, with its ribbed half glass dome and Minton tiles, is a great example of early domestic conservatory architecture in the U.S.
Accessed directly from the library, this small yet distinctive glass room has been brought to life with an installation of silk plants designed by Danna DiElsi of the Silk Touch, and pots and furnishings of the era. The conservatory provides a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of, and passion for, the plant world as seen through the vision of the original owners of the mansion.
Visitors can also take guided tours that showcase the decorative botanical details of architect Detlef Lienau's original mansion design and view displays of selected artifacts throughout the museum from the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum's collections of dresses, fashion accessories, silver, ceramics, books and more, with motifs inspired by flora and fauna.
“We are thrilled to reopen the Conservatory as we celebrate a new season with our community and another breathtaking Period Room full of history and Victorian era décor,” said Patsy Brescia, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The Conservatory exhibit opens April 8 and runs through Jan. 3.
On Thursday, April 9, from noon to 4 p.m., a new exhibition entitled, “Full Bloom: The Artist’s View on Gilded Age Botanicals,” in collaboration with Center for Contemporary Printmaking, will open.
This exhibition explores the beauty and relevance of botanical art, through the medium of printmaking, in connection with the newly refurbished Conservatory. This exhibition includes renowned printmakers and members of CCP, Margot Rocklen, who began making prints at Carnegie Mellon University, Betty Ball, Jane Cooper, Deidre de Waal, Sheila Fane, Sally Frank, Cynthia MacCollum, Joan Potkay, Eve Stockton and Ruth Kalla Ungerer. The works included cover a variety of techniques such as etching, monotype, intaglio, woodblock, and solarplate.
The exhibition will run through May 3 with an opening reception on Thursday, April 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The reception is free.
General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for kids ages 8-18.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is located at 295 West Ave., Norwalk.
For more information on schedules and programs, visit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion website here, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or call 203-838-9799.
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