Americana in Bath

Two Englishmen who were both interested in antiques decided in the late fifties to collect American furniture and other items to introduce the best of America to the Brits. They set up their finds in a big house they found just outside of Bath that had most recently been used as housing for students but worked well as a museum of Americana. Each period room features a different example of American history and culture.

One of the rooms, for example, is furnished with an over-the-top carved bed and brilliant wallpaper from 19th century New Orleans,

while another was a New England room of about 1790 with wooden furniture of the period,

and so on, including items from American Indians, the Pennsylvania Dutch, the Civil War, etc. Dallas Pratt, one of the owners, also donated his collection of Renaissance-era maps, nothing to do with America really, but reflecting his interests. In other words, a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

The men also amassed a collection of around 250 quilts, with 50 on display at any given time. They were nicely displayed on panels that allowed viewers to see every detail. This collection too was quite eclectic, ranging from an elegant silk log cabin,

to a Red Cross crazy quilt,

to a Kaffe quilt,

to a striking mourning quilt, also called “Darts of Death,” though that’s new to me,

to a square in a square quilt, one of my favorite motifs,

and more. There was no particular rhyme or reason that I could discern as to what kinds of quilts they collected – how about all kinds?- but an intriguing collection nevertheless.

Apart from the quilts, the collection was a bit of a jumble to my untrained eyes. A wonderfully displayed collection of Pennsylvania Dutch carvings caught my attention, less so the pressed glass and the pioneer cabin. But what was really amazing was the garden, 2.5 acres set in 125 acres of “rolling green topography,” as one critic described it.

Oeme/Van Sweden had entirely reworked the garden about six years ago, and the results were astonishing. Start with a sloping site that looks down on a valley and up a borrowed landscape on the other side,

then add in huge swathes of grasses, lavender, poppies, verbascum (I think), foxgloves, roses, and daisies, among other things. (Click through for the full effect.)

And a month from now I’m sure another array of beauties will be in bloom. An interesting article about it can be found here. It was well worth the visit!