The Wharton Esherick Museum


© Judith Stock
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Mar 14, 2000


The Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pennsylvania began in 1928 as the rural homestead of Wharton Esherick, a painter who turned to woodworking as an expression of his artistic talents.

Located on a patch of land surrounded by rolling hills, thick with towering walnut and red oak trees, on the crest of the Valley Forge Mountain range, over the proceeding 40 years, Esherick continued to expand and shape the stone building until 1966 when he declared it finished. Recognized as one of the most unique buildings in the United States and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the artist considered his structure to be autobiographical in nature.

More than 200 works are exhibited at this museum including paintings, woodcuts, prints, and sculpture in a variety of media that show the progression of the artists work from organic form through the engaging lyrical forms he is best known for today. His work has been featured at galleries, museums and a number of World Fairs.

Intimate, informal and rich in visual rewards, the interior of the studio pays homage to an artist in wood. From the smallest details like door hinges, the shape of the sink, light switches and fixtures to the stairs, walls, and ceiling, every last detail showcases the spirit of sculpture.

The central feature of the structure is the staircase that seems to float on nothing. An icon of his work, the staircase was dismantled in 1939 and transported to the New York World's Fair as an eminent sample of American craftsmanship, which brought him national acclaim.

Crafted from applewood and walnut, Esherick constructed the floor by laying out each piece by hand much like a gigantic puzzle. The entrance to his bedroom is a large trap door, counterweighted by an abstract wooden figure. The main portion of the house, the workroom, displays a beautiful panel of windows with a sweeping expanse of nature beyond.

In this museum, function and form unite to form a magnificent stone and wood legacy to an artist's life.

http://www.briarweb.com/esherick/

http://www.levins.com/esh3d.html

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
3.   Mar 16, 2000 6:40 PM
Thanks for sharing it, Judy. The links really bring your words to life. Being from the northwest I am infatuated with wood and wood art and buildings. This is a place I know I would spend a long ti ...

-- posted by jerrib
2.   Mar 15, 2000 3:40 AM
. . . of what appears to be a wonderful museum! I enjoyed cruising your links, too. Thank you!

Take care,
Jenn

-- posted by Poemwriter1
1.   Mar 14, 2000 4:09 PM
Another beautiful "must see someday" place, Judy. What a gorgeous structure this must be. I checked out the links, and that staircase that seems to float on nothing is amazingly beautiful. So many ...

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt



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