Thursday, March 24, 2005 - Noon
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On Thursday, March 24, at noon, The Filson Historical Society will host a lecture on the style of decorative arts – architecture, furniture, silver, portraiture – that was produced in Kentucky during the state’s early history as the western frontier. Estill Curtis Pennington, The Filson’s visiting curator of fine and decorative arts, will lead the lecture at the historical society at 1310 S. Third Street. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. Call (502) 635-5083 for reservations or more information.
From the earliest beginnings of the Commonwealth an identifiable style of architecture, furniture, silver and portraiture emerged on what was then the frontier of the far west of the young republic. Inspired by the neo-classical movements in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, Kentucky artists and craftsmen produced works, which have inspired serious collectors since. In his lecture, Estill Curtis Pennington discusses examples of those works and provides suggestions on day trips to sites whose collections affirm the connoisseur strength of the topic.
The Filson is working to promote awareness of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s decorative arts heritage through this lecture and other venues. An exhibit showcasing the antique culture of America and Kentucky is currently on display at The Filson Historical Society’s headquarters on Third Street. The exhibit, “The Art of History: The ‘Antiques’ Craze and the Colonial Revival Era, 1890-1918,” is showing in the third-floor gallery through May 30, 2005. The display is an installation of paintings, porcelain, furnishings and memorabilia that brings together a body of material culture reflecting the inherited and cultivated tastes of late 19th-century Kentucky. The exhibit is free and open to the general public 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Since its founding in 1884, The Filson Historical Society has preserved the region’s collective memory, not only of Kentucky but also of the Ohio Valley and the Upper South. The Filson continues to collect and tell the significant stories of the region. An independent historical society, The Filson serves the public through its extensive research collections and numerous educational opportunities. The Filson is headquartered in the Ferguson Mansion in Old Louisville and houses a library, a museum, and a special collections department.
