Lenox - Benjamin Moore & Co., the national paint manufacturer, has continued its support of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate and gardens, with a donation of $20,000. This grant money is earmarked for research and restoration of the original paint colors used in Wharton’s 800-sq.-ft. bedroom suite at The Mount.
Beginning this month, the new funding will be used to complete high-tech analysis of paint colors in Wharton’s boudoir. Later this year, The Mount will launch a study of colors in her adjacent bedroom and bathroom. Based on results of the work, the rooms will be repainted in historically-accurate colors.
“Benjamin Moore is committed to the preservation of America’s architectural legacy,†noted Eileen McComb, director of corporate communications for Benjamin Moore & Co. “The company began its financial and in-kind support of the restoration of The Mount in 2001. As the restoration work continues, so does Benjamin Moore’s commitment, ensuring historical accuracy of the paint colors selected.â€
“Because of Edith Wharton’s importance in the world of interior design, it is critical that we do everything possible to determine what colors she chose for the house,†explains Stephanie Copeland, president of Edith Wharton Restoration, the non-profit organization responsible for preserving and restoring The Mount. “We’re very grateful for Benjamin Moore & Co.’s continued support in this area.â€
Benjamin Moore provided valuable support in 2001, when it contributed materials, expertise and $25,000 to paint the seven principal rooms featured in The Mount’s centennial exhibition of designer-decorated rooms, which continues through the end of the 2004 season. The colors proved so popular that Benjamin Moore features them, along with The Mount, on its website, www.benjaminmoore.com .
Robert Furhoff, a leading historic paint analyst based in Chicago, will complete the new work. Furhoff first visited The Mount last summer, when he made significant breakthroughs in determining the boudoir’s original colors. To finalize this research, laboratory testing will be used to confirm the original ingredients in the paint mix and from that, to gauge whether the colors faded over time. Furhoff will be returning to The Mount this summer to analyze the paint finishes in the bedroom and the bathroom.
The Mount is focusing efforts on continued restoration of Wharton’s private suite in anticipation of the upcoming 100th anniversary of her first bestselling novel, The House of Mirth. Written in 1905 in her bedroom at The Mount, the book’s critical and popular success gave Wharton the confidence to pursue her writing. The author of over 40 books in 40 years, she was the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In addition, Wharton was an authority on architecture and interior and garden design. The Decoration of Houses, her 1897 book co-authored with Boston architect Ogden Codman, is credited with establishing interior design as a profession in this country.
Benjamin Moore & Co., founded in 1883, is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and retailers of premium quality architectural, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings. A Berkshire Hathaway company, Benjamin Moore & Co. is headquartered in Montvale, N.J.
The Mount will open for the 2004 season on May 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. A National Historic Landmark, the secluded Gilded Age estate includes a 42-room mansion, three acres of formal gardens and additional acres of scenic woodlands. For more information, visit www.EdithWharton.org or call (413) 637-1899.
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MSBA: No Stearns in Proposed West Pittsfield School
During the School Building Needs Commission meeting on Monday, the owner's project managers, Skanska, reported that the Massachusetts School Building Authority would not fund a three-school project.
Stearns Elementary School had been included in the feasibility study to see if Crosby Elementary, Conte Community School, and Stearns Elementary could all be located at 517 West St. All three school locations listed in the feasibility study had to be considered; Conte has several site challenges.
Project designers TSKP reviewed 12 different school options, and it was relayed that only the rebuilds of Crosby and Conte could be fully funded. Pittsfield would have to pay for Stearns.
"I also think it's important to look at long-term and affordability, and if we choose to keep Stearns in, we're going to make the decision to keep PHS out," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.
Senior Patrick Holland Saturday finished in fourth place to lead the Mount Greylock boys cross country team to a Western Massachusetts Class B Championship at Stanley Park. click for more
In a news release posted on its website tuesday morning, the Northwestern DA said, "prosecutors determined that no criminal conduct occurred," citing Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, section 17. click for more
Everett Bayliss scored a pair of goals and Lukas Burrow had two assists in Sunday's Mount Greylock win in the Western Massachusetts Class C Championship Game. click for more
Gabe Thomas carded an even par round of 71 at Stockbridge Golf Club Monday to finish two shots clear of the field and claim the first county individual championship for the McCann Tech golf team. click for more
The Cooperative Hoosac Valley football program will resume football related activities on Monday, Sept. 28, after being on “pause” for the past nine days. click for more
Hoosac Valley High School has postponed this weekend’s football games following a reported alleged hazing incident involving a large number of football players, the athletic director announced Friday afternoon. click for more
