Under the beautiful tall trees on the manicured lawns of the Grand Front Yard of the Wilton House Museum, the Art Deco Society of Virgina hosted their seventh Annual Gatsby Picnic. Hurricane Florence's unwanted visit caused the original event to be rescheduled, which negatively affected the participation of many regular attendees. But with the fabulous Gypsy Roots band playing for us, vendors like Bygones to satisfy those wanting to add to their vintage collection, vintage cars from Old Dominion Model A Ford Club, cocktails prepared by James River Distillers, and King of Pops (offering, in my opinion, the best fruit popsicles), everyone had the most enjoyable fun afternoon. Aside from relaxing in this perfect calming environment, there were so many other activities: Charleston dance lesson (and then competition, won by Claire Simmonds), fashion show (Anna Quilici and Clyde Holmes won best dressed), picnic display competition (won by Joanne and Carolyn Casey), and croquet to be played on the rear terrace.
I was thrilled to once again photograph portraits for the event. This year, we were able to shoot portraits in the beautiful Master Bed Chamber. For those who purchased a portrait, please email me for the digital download. Additional downloads, prints and other photo-gifts are available for purchase.
I also took time to wander around the house, originally built around 1753 for William Randolph III. In 1932, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia undertook to rescue this storied Virginian home from ruin. As the land on which Wilton stood had been rezoned for industrialization, the house had to be dismantled, moved, and rebuilt around 1934 on the grounds where it now stands, beautifully restored. Plan a visit, and tour the house, if you haven't done so already - please
visit their website for more information.
Why not become a member of the Art Deco Society of Virginia, and help preserve and promote the Commonwealth’s art deco history - the
ADSVA Website has information about upcoming events too!
