A Delectable New Addition
By Ann Wagner
Abstaining from hot chocolate should never be a New Year’s resolution!
It’s a new year, and we are welcoming a new addition to our collection. Winterthur recently acquired a one-of-a-kind, gilded silver hot chocolate set with dainty poppy-shaped vessels, made in 1915. While this set does not represent how most consumers sipped hot cocoa in the early 1900s, and certainly not today, antique ceramic and silver chocolate pots remind us how internationally revered this beverage has been throughout its multi-century history. Hot chocolate came to America in the 1600s, and when this set was new, tins or boxes holding cakes of powdered cacao were combined with hot milk and sweetened to taste with sugar. Yum!
This illustrated trade card for Wilbur’s Chocolate Company features Cupid sipping from a gilded white porcelain cup and saucer—likely enjoying the Breakfast Chocolate in the bright blue box behind his head.
Porcelain cups and ceramic mugs are ideal for protecting the lips from that first scalding sip, but the chocolate set we acquired has six silver poppy cup frames with no liners. It is hard to imagine adults drinking from such tiny openings, which seem more to scale for the fairies inhabiting Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods. A porcelain liner creates a fluted opening more apropos for a human and adds another insulating layer to preserve the chocolate’s heat while shielding the lips.
Cup frames of sterling silver, silver electroplated with gold, or silver-plated base metals were not uncommon products in the early 1900s. However, while Europeans drank their hot beverages from a clear glass placed in a metal frame, Americans drank theirs from white porcelain liners set in metal cup frames. This set’s maker, Gorham Manufacturing Company (headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island), worked with Trenton, New Jersey manufacturer Lenox Ceramic Art Company to craft a liner reflecting the American-style hot beverage drinking glass: gold-rimmed white porcelain liners fitted to their coffee, tea, and hot chocolate cup frames.
Although our poppy cup frames no longer contain their original liners, Gorham’s early 1900s sales catalogues survive to help us imagine them. This page shows a chocolate cup and two teacups from the 1908 Catalogue Addenda and was shared by a silver scholar who sourced it in the Gorham Archives, John Hay Library, Brown University.
Since the hot chocolate set we acquired was created as a special order for Anita Baldwin, owner of the historic estate, Anoakia, of Arcadia, California, it never appeared in the Gorham catalogues. Our chances of finding an antique liner with the cups’ exact dimensions were close to zero.
However, we wanted to display these poppy cup frames with a Lenox liner, so a near match was located with this narrow demitasse shape. It extends about one inch above the frame, and you can see how the liners visually complete the set’s overall design. We are delighted to welcome this lovely set into our ever-growing collection. As you gaze at each of its components, you realize that even in small doses the irresistible smell and taste of hot chocolate was a prized indulgence a century ago – just as it is today.
Henry Francis du Pont was an avid collector of American art and antiques representing the finest craftsmanship and styles of early America, and we invite you to come to Winterthur and enjoy our vast collection of treasures like this elegant hot chocolate set. And, of course, to continue to enjoy hot chocolate the way you like it best!
Winterthur welcomes Kirk Trasborg as new Chief Financial Officer
WINTERTHUR, DE (January 22, 2024) – Kirk Trasborg has been selected as Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s new chief financial officer. Trasborg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Winterthur.
Chris Strand, Charles F. Montgomery Director and CEO at Winterthur, expressed his enthusiasm about the new hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Kirk to our leadership team. His impressive background in financial management, business process redesign, vendor management, and staff development aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Winterthur.”
Trasborg’s previous role as chief strategy and operations officer at The American College of Financial Services in Philadelphia showcased his ability to lead diverse teams, including Strategy and Operations, Administrative Services, Institutional Effectiveness, Career Services, and the college’s multiple Centers for social impact.
His extensive experience includes notable positions such as chief financial officer for technology services at the University of Pennsylvania, executive director of finance and planning at Laureate Education in Baltimore, and contributions to renowned organizations like Armstrong World Industries, the Hershey Company, and First Data Corporation.
With multiple degrees, including a Master in Law, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in accounting, information systems, criminal justice, and behavioral science, Trasborg brings a comprehensive and well-rounded skill set to Winterthur.
Expressing his excitement about his appointment, Trasborg said, “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization that is strengthening its ties with its community through school programs and welcoming events while also expanding its great experiences to an audience that is assuredly worldwide. Winterthur is coming off a year that saw the institution featured on national television, in hundreds of newspapers across the country, in international magazines, and in radio broadcasts on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s truly an exciting time to be arriving at Winterthur.”
Winterthur, currently closed for the season as it prepares for an eventful 2024, offers its members daily, year-round access to the garden and estate. Winterthur is set to reopen its doors to all visitors on March 2, 2024.
ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year.
Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.
Journey Through Time: Toy Trains and the Historic Railway of Winterthur
Children of all ages have loved toy trains for more than a century, and what better way to celebrate this enduring fascination than with a visit to our toy train display at Winterthur? For the fourth year, Kirk Lindvig and other volunteers have transformed the Brown Horticulture Learning Center into a Yuletide wonderland, showcasing a mesmerizing toy train world for visitors to enjoy from December 13-31.
This display, created by Kirk and Jeannette Lindvig, Chris Bogus, Joe Blossic, and Randy Satzler, features trains from local members of the Standard Gauge Module Association, a nationwide collectors group. The Lionel Standard Gauge toy trains transport visitors into a landscape of nostalgia. Featuring an array of tracks, stations, and figurines, the display is a testament to the enduring charm of these timeless toys.
For Lindvig, the allure of toy trains is a lifelong passion. Fondly reminiscing about receiving his first train set at the age of four, he shared his enthusiasm with a reporter from Chadds Ford Live, joking, “It has been all downhill ever since.”
Lindvig is not alone in his fascination; hundreds of thousands of toy train enthusiasts, united by their love for both vintage and contemporary standard gauge trains, have found common ground through the Standard Gauge Module Association. Established in 2006 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of these special toys, the association’s captivating displays have graced public venues across the country.
The roots of the Standard Gauge toy trains trace back to 1906 when the Lionel Manufacturing Company introduced them, later followed by offerings from Ives and American Flyer. These colorful, large-scale, all-metal wonders mirrored America’s captivation with the burgeoning technologies of railroads and electricity at the turn of the 20th century. A symbol of luxury, these toy trains were crafted for affluent families, such as the du Ponts.
The Winterthur estate is rich in history entwined with railroads. The train station, situated at the back of the property near Route 100, served as a stop on the Wilmington and Northern Railroad and as Winterthur’s post office from 1900 to 1967. Henry Algernon du Pont, father of museum founder Henry Francis du Pont, served as president of the Wilmington and Northern Railroad from 1879 to 1926.
Functioning primarily for freight service, the rail line facilitated the delivery of coal, farm supplies, and mail, up to four times a day. Winterthur’s postmaster, Anna Upright, lived above the station, overseeing mail distribution and managing deliveries.
At its core, Winterthur was a family home, and the train station played a pivotal role in maintaining familial connections. During his boarding school days, H. F. du Pont received flowers and food from the estate by train to lift his spirits.
The annual Christmas party at Winterthur, a cherished tradition for estate workers and their families, holds fond memories for those who grew up here. Children especially treasured the Lionel Standard Gauge toy train—a popular toy during H. F. du Pont’s era.
Winterthur’s train station stands as a testament to time, unchanged since the late 19th century. While freight trains still traverse Winterthur’s rails today, they no longer make stops at the station, which is now a private home for a Winterthur employee. The shingled Queen Anne-style building, designed by architect Theophilus P. Chandler, is one of the few surviving examples of his work, alongside the Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Wilmington. The station and the toy train display invite visitors to remember the golden age of rail travel.
As you round out your holiday plans, make sure to visit our toy train display. Add it to your list of delightful offerings to enjoy this year during Yuletide at Winterthur.
National Park Service grant to help restore Winterthur gatehouse
WINTERTHUR, DE (December 12, 2023) – A project to preserve the historic Old Gate House at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library was the only initiative in Delaware to receive funding in a recent round of grants from the National Park Service.
Winterthur requested and received $125,000 for the project, with Winterthur contributing a matching $125,000.
The award was part of $25.7 million in Save America’s Treasures grants from the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The funding supports 58 projects in 26 states, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Located on the western edge of Winterthur along Kennett Pike (Route 52), the Old Gate House is one of the more prominent and recognizable parts of the estate.
Winterthur is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), a renowned horticulturist and antique collector. He spent his life managing Winterthur’s estate and its farm, perfecting its gardens, and amassing one of the most significant collections of American decorative arts in the world. He ultimately transformed his magnificent 175-room mansion into a museum in 1951 to display nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640.
At its peak, the estate had 12 temperature-controlled greenhouses, a 23-acre orchard, a 5.5-acre vegetable garden, and a 4-acre cutting garden. It also had a butcher shop, sawmill, tannery, post office, train station, and a dairy barn where du Pont bred and raised award-winning Holstein cattle. Ninety-nine cottages housed 250 members of Winterthur’s staff and their families.
The Old Gate House was designed in 1902 by Robeson Lea Perot, a Philadelphia-based architect. This two-story colonial/neoclassical revival building served as the main gate entrance to Winterthur and as the residence for the gatekeeper and his family until 1961. Today, the gatehouse serves as offices for some of Winterthur’s development staff.
The gatehouse restoration project will consist of the following tasks:
- Restoring the gatehouse’s iron railing and gate
- Conserving the historic shutters
- Painting the exterior of the gatehouse
- Sealing the basement
- Repairing the masonry of the outbuildings and a connecting wall
The project will stabilize historical materials and return them to a more original condition, said John Castle, Winterthur’s director of facilities, who will oversee the project.
“This work will significantly improve the appearance of a prominent symbol of the Winterthur estate,” Castle said.
Save America’s Treasures requires applicants to match the grant money dollar-for-dollar with nonfederal funding.
“We’re thrilled that this funding will allow us to immediately begin this work, most of which will be completed by the summer of 2025,” added Danielle Dougherty, Winterthur’s assistant director of grants management.
These grants preserve and conserve nationally significant properties and collections to tell a more complete story of America and its people, said NPS Director Chuck Sams.
“Preserving these historic places and collections ensures the generations of today and tomorrow can enjoy and learn from the diverse stories across time and place in America’s history,” Sams said.
ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year.
Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.
Katya Roelse
Lenny Wilson
Fashioned from the Garden
Transforming Natural Materials into Fashion Inspired by the Work of Ann Lowe
By Kim Collison
Shoes shaped from leaves and adorned with seed pod heels. A larger-than-life dress crafted from textiles and greenery and bursting with every floral shape. These Transformations works by local artists Lenny Wilson and Katya Roelse join staff-created trees and couture fashion designs for this year’s Yuletide display, inspired by our exhibition Ann Lowe: American Couturier. As part of Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur, they are the latest in a series of contemporary works reflecting artists’ connection to Winterthur’s collections.
Vivid colors and creative patterns found both indoors and out throughout the Winterthur garden and the collection have inspired floral artists and creators for decades, so it comes as no surprise that the couture works by Ann Lowe in the Galleries have also brought fresh creative vision to many. Henry Francis du Pont said, “I have always loved flowers and had a garden as a child, and in almost every flowering plant there is order, proportion, color, detail and material, and if you have grown up with flowers and really seen them, you can’t help to have unconsciously absorbed an appreciation of [these things].” Surely Ann Lowe could relate to this sentiment, as most of her work features colorful floral elements, including fabric-sculpted roses trailing the length of a dress, Bermuda lilies framing the neckline of a bridal gown, and delicately “fussy-cut” floral appliques hemming a 1930s dress.
No shoes appear with Lowe’s designs, but three pairs of nature-inspired shoes created by Delaware native Lenny Wilson are on view just outside the exhibition. Wilson learned to make shoes at a leather-trades college in London before beginning a career in public horticulture. His artwork combines shoemaking with horticulture, resulting in life-size shoes made from plant leaves and seed pods—a unique biographical expression.
He says, “I believe shoes are a symbol of good luck. Archeologists have found shoes among the ruins of ancient homes that were placed in the walls by their inhabitants. Shoes have been tied to the back bumpers of cars of couples that were ‘just married.’ Dorothy’s ruby slippers protected her and transported her back to safety. Shoes reveal a lot about a person. To walk a mile in another’s shoes is to gain familiarity to that person’s experiences. Even though these shoes have never been worn, they assume a personality all their own.”
Like Wilson’s shoes, the vibrant dress outside the Galleries abounds with personality. A combination of greenery and fabric, it shares design elements with the bridal gown Ann Lowe created for Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s wedding. Designed by Katya Roelse, who recreated Kennedy’s wedding dress on view in Ann Lowe: American Couturier, the 8-foot-tall dress incorporates the gown’s iconic fabric rosettes and features the many floral creations, construction techniques, and decorative elements Lowe used in other gowns. Roelse, an instructor in the Fashion and Apparel Program at the University of Delaware, explains, “I wanted to create a dress that showcases what might have been Ann Lowe’s unbridled imagination and her favorite sources of inspiration. If you look closely enough, it drops clues about her work and the Kennedy gown. You see details about the Kennedy gown that you may not be able to see otherwise.”
On your Yuletide visit, come to the Galleries. Admire Roelse’s artistry in both gowns. Be enchanted by Wilson’s whimsical shoe creations. Explore the gardens and grounds of Winterthur and be inspired as well!
The Art of Tablescaping
By Rachel Schmid
When planning a table setting, I like to think about the feeling I want my guests to have, not only when they see the table for the first time but also while they enjoy their meal. I want to encourage conversation by creating a festive, welcoming, and comfortable space. The rules for setting a table have been rewritten countless times over the years, and most people believe that there are three main styles of table settings: basic, casual, and formal. When I create a tablescape, I prefer to blend the three, drawing elements from each to make my visitors feel like they are both honored guests and close friends.
Porto Table Runner, $50
Porto Napkins, Set of 2, $40
Mini Cordless Table Lamp, $149
I choose my linens first, based on the occasion or season. In the spring and summer months, I prefer to keep things lighter, reflecting the airy nature of the weather. In the autumn and winter months, I gravitate toward moodier tones and heavier fabrics, often layering linens and patterns for added coziness.
Flora Fauna Platter, $133
Green Cucina Fresca Tray, $45
Wild Fox Condiment Bowl, $35
Small Green Glazed Cake Stand, $46
Horn Tray, $28
Horn Finish Salt & Pepper Shakers, $20
Stone Pitchers on Pine Tray, Four-piece Set, $62
After the cloths are in place, I create the centerpiece. The centerpiece is the showstopper of a table setting, the focal point that will capture your guests’ attention. When planning a centerpiece, I keep three things in mind: height, texture, and lighting. I also build centerpieces in levels. First is the base, the lowest level. Then comes the middle level, which sits just above the base. Last is the top level, which is the highest. Using this structure helps elevate the setting and move the guests’ eyes upward to what is typically the most impressive part of the table. However, I never want to obscure anyone’s vision, so I choose narrower items for the tallest pieces or place them where I know they won’t be in the way.
Aged Bronze Cobbled Pitcher, $90
Mushroom Platter, $133
Glazed Ceramic Quails, Set of 3, $25
Antiqued Brass Footed Bowl, $50
April Amber Glass Vase, $18
Gold Standing Deer Figure, $55
Gold Feeding Deer Figure, $50
At the base, I like to use a simple garland for texture and a pop of color. I add smaller odds and ends, such as butter dishes and salt and pepper shakers. For the middle level, I will include a central element, such as a decorative figure or a bowl filled with small pumpkins. Adding lighting also creates extra ambiance. While candles are a classic choice, I enjoy using cordless table lamps, as they are low-profile and modern, and I don’t have to worry about wax drippings! Finally, I will add the top level, which typically has a tall but slender vase and a seasonal flower arrangement.
Vita Gold Vase, $40
Faux Pom Pom Bush Spray, $19
Mixed Pheasant Feather Spray, $21
Faux Dried Red Hydrangea Spray, $12
After the centerpiece is complete, I place my dishes and glasses. I like to keep the layout simple yet elevated, using a charger, a dinner plate, and, depending on the menu, a salad plate or small bowl. These elements are also perfect for playing with color or mixing patterns, adding dimension and interest. If the gathering is casual, the napkins will be folded flat to the side with flatware resting on top. If the mood is formal, the napkins will be folded on the plates in a decorative manner, such as fanned, knotted, or bowtie.
Wood Slice Paper Placemats, Pack of 12, $38
Scoop Stainless Steel Flatware, Five-piece Set, $125
Flora Fauna Plates, Set of 4, $200
Autunno Salad Plates, Set of 4, $195
Next, I choose my glassware. I like to include a variety but will limit my selection to three styles to minimize clutter. My go-to choices are wine glasses, cordial glasses, and water tumblers, creating a simple sophistication. Glassware offers yet another opportunity to add an accent of color, though I always make sure my glasses coordinate with each other. Once the glasses are in place, the table is complete! Now all that’s left is to enjoy.
Regalia Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $300
Regalia Cordial Glasses, Set of 4, $205
Amber Murano Glass Tumbler, $110
You can recreate our autumn tablescape with these unique and beautiful items from our Museum Store.
Winterthur’s e-commerce shop is not ready yet, but we are still here to help. To purchase any of these or similar items, visit our Museum Store Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. You can also take advantage of our shopping concierge service! Simply call 302.888.4822 or email museumstore@winterthur.org, and our staff will help you select the item. Admission to Winterthur is not required to visit the Museum Store.
A Gingerbread Wonderland
Combine the warmth of a holiday culinary classic with the magic of Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods, and what do you get? A breathtaking 4-by-8-foot replica of the whimsical three-acre children’s garden, meticulously crafted from gingerbread. This 147-pound masterpiece, a highlight of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library’s Yuletide celebration, transports visitors into a fairyland of delight, through January 7, 2024.
The Culinary Artistry
For weeks, the skilled hands of eight artisans from Bredenbeck’s Bakery in Philadelphia have toiled to create this edible marvel. A follow-up to last year’s impressive gingerbread rendition of the 175-room mansion at Winterthur, this year’s sculpture has been a labor of love for Bredenbeck’s head sugar artist Diana Anello and bakery co-owners Jacob Boyd and Irvin Boyd.
Diana’s Dedication
Diana alone poured over 100 hours into designing and assembling this edible wonder. Her passion is evident as she shared, “I wake up thinking about it. I dream about it.” This sentiment extends to the entire team, whose collective effort involved not only baking and constructing but also infusing the project with dedication and creativity.
Enchanted Inspiration
Drawing inspiration from Enchanted Woods, Diana’s journey began in July when she first visited the children’s garden to envision the gingerbread gem. “There were so many kids here enjoying it,” Diana said of Enchanted Woods. “It was a real magical fairyland experience.” Recalling the atmosphere filled with joyous children, Diana’s eyes sparkled as she helped deliver the finished product to the museum recently. This year’s sculpture includes a functioning water element, illuminated structures, five hidden fairies, and 44 snowflakes adding to the enchantment.
The Legend of Enchanted Woods
Enchanted Woods, designed to appear as though crafted by fairies, weaves its own tale, free of references to popular children’s stories, which makes the garden feel timeless, a blank slate that children can paint with the full power of their imaginations. Its creation myth speaks of the fairies and sprites—missing the laughter of children who once played there—gathering artifacts from the Winterthur estate to build a spellbinding haven.
Gingerbread Adventure
A feast for the eyes and a treat for the imagination, each element of Enchanted Woods comes to life in gingerbread form. Wander among the enticing Story Stones, cross the Troll Bridge, say hi to Harvey the frog at Water’s Edge, navigate the intricate Fairy Flower Labyrinth, follow the S-s-serpentine Path, visit the delightful Faerie Cottage, explore Frog Hollow, enter the Tulip Tree House, have a party at the Acorn Tearoom, jump into the Bird’s Nest, and discover the secrets of the Green Man’s Lair.
Recently, the Atlas Obscura podcast devoted an episode to Enchanted Woods. During that 11-minute segment, you can hear the history of the spellbinding children’s garden from Winterthur’s director, Chris Strand.
Beyond the Gingerbread Wonderland
The enchantment doesn’t end with the gingerbread sculpture. Winterthur’s Yuletide celebration is inspired by the current Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibition, featuring custom fashion by Delaware designers Shawn Baron Pinckney and Asata Maisé Beeks, whose creations reflect the history of Winterthur and the design sensibilities of Lowe and Winterthur founder Henry Francis du Pont. The Yuletide Tour showcases Winterthur’s signature traditions, including the Dried-Flower Tree, and new displays such as Christmas trees inspired by Ann Lowe gowns, and a spectacularly set Christmas dinner table.
Holiday Extravaganza
As part of the Yuletide experience, the Museum Store beckons with daily holiday shopping, offering unique home décor, gifts, jewelry, and more that celebrate Winterthur’s beauty both indoors and out.
This holiday season, the fashion artistry, the festive décor, and the gingerbread masterpiece depicting Enchanted Woods invite visitors to step into a world of imagination and wonder, making this Yuletide celebration truly extraordinary.