Just before leaving for Barbados, I learned that a museum in upstate New York was hosting an exhibition of Alphonse Mucha’s works, until March 18. So I knew I had to work in a trip shortly after returning home. I asked my intrepid beach travel buddy, Mizz CJ, if she was interested in accompanying me, and got an affirmative once I mentioned the art museum was in the Hyde family home. I didn’t even have to mention the world class collection of art – I had her at “historic home”, apparently.
So, off I hop onto the interwebs, to find us accommodations:
After a scant week of work, I was off again for another 2 days – this time driving to Glens Falls, NY.
The weather gods were with us on this trip – no snow, sunny, clear dry streets and highways, and above freezing. We got to the hotel in time for happy hour.
Our room was newly renovated and overlooked the park. We really enjoyed our stay at the Queensbury and would come back.
After a scrumptious breakfast the next morning (the pork sausage with sage – to die for), we made it to the Hyde Collection, nearby.
I loved seeing the full sized Mucha posters, as they would have hung on the exterior walls in Paris, advertising Sarah Bernhardt’s latest plays. There were also some creatively framed pieces, and actual paintings and sketches, showing the range of Mucha’s talent.
The house itself was lovely and the art collection of the previous owners was displayed with their furnishings. And what a collection: Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, Renoir, Botticelli, El Greco, Seurat, Whistler, Homer…and they are still adding to it, with modern and contemporary artists.
The house is on an estate, along with 2 other homes that belonged to Mrs. Hyde’s sisters’ families. The plan is to eventually open all 3 homes up to the public and restore the gardens.
Behind the house still exists the original source of the family’s wealth – the pulp and paper mill.
Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures inside, but I did pick up a book on Mucha before we left to head home through the Adirondacks.
Now I am home to stay for a while, and settling back into domesticity. I used the self-clean feature on my oven for the first time ever today.
I’ve never had a self-cleaning oven before. I am used to cleaning my oven the old-fashioned way – by moving to a new house and leaving the dirty one behind. 😉
I like this new way.
Rock on,
The WB
Imagine having the kind of wealth that would allow you to amass a world-class art collection. If I won a lottery, I’d definitely invest in art and artists.
But as an alternative, a visit to the Hyde home, along with all of the attendant pleasures – good accommodation, company and food – well, that’s not too shabby either.
Ain’t technology marvelous? Glad you’re having fun – away and at home.
The house itself was relatively modest in scope, compared to other homes nearby. However it was well-laid out and pleasing to be in – things that fall by the wayside with today’s McMansions. I got the sense that this family preferred design, art and philanthropy, over ostentatious displays of wealth.
Thanks for your thoughts, Karen!
I saw the Mucha exhibit a few months ago. I wasn’t as impressed, but the museum was so crowded that day (it was the last week) and I had two 6-year-olds with me. I suspect if I’d been alone in both ways I would have enjoyed it more. Your trip sounds lovely though.
That’s too bad, Reticula. We practically had the place to ourselves, which was unexpectedly wonderful.
Of course that would be a perfect excursion for an art lover like you! I was disappointed however that you weren’t able to take photos. Now I’ll just have to imagine how wonderful it was 🙂
Or you could check it out for yourself! Lots of hiking trails, and we are planning on going again in better weather (hint, hint – drop me a line)! Upstate NY is a beautiful place to visit, Joanne! And just a short drive to Quebec too, if you and Gilles would be interested, for a future trip.
I will definitely drop you a line. If nothing else, we are overdue for another hiking adventure. I was waiting for you to resettle after being away 🙂
Yes! Way overdue! Consider me resettled – I’m cleaning my oven for gawd’s sake 😂
LOL!! Poor thing. You need to be rescued! Email coming!