Category Archives: l’histoire

elfreth’s alley…

 

 

Elfreths-alley

Elfreths-alley2

Elfreths-alley-philly

 

We played tourist in our own city yesterday, as I had been wanting to see Elfreth's Alley for a while, and it was a beautiful sunny day! If you want to tour the museum during the "winter" (it was 75 degress out), go Thursday-Sunday. In my opinion, going when it is closed is best for photos as not many people are around. Thirty-two houses, built between 1728 and 1836, form the alley…one of the last intact early American streetscapes in the nation. What I love most is that not only is it a National Historic Landmark, but one of the first that celebrates the lives of everyday people. They are so beautifully cared for, and the colonial colors are inspirational. The bricks, lampposts, and doors are all a bit wonky, which makes it uber charming. I love anyplace where you can feel the history, and this is one of them!

 

 

eames love…

 

 

Eames-film

 

I have admired the collaborations and talents of Charles and Ray Eames since my early twenties, and am very excited about the film that was recently released. The husband and wife team are responsible for so many groundbreaking designs of the 20th century, and they have all found a new home in the 21st. In my early twenties I was studying design and working for Maharam when they obtained the rights to produce fabrics and products using their iconic designs, and I was hooked. My obsession grew when I journeyed to NYC to see an exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt and saw the famous chair designs of the duo in person. Ever since, I have coveted the Eames lounge chair…someday, maybe. In the meantime, I will look forward to seeing the film.The cool factor is so high, Ice Cube is into them…check it out.

image source

 

oscar wilde…

 

 

Oscar-wilde

 

After many years of lipstick kisses, Oscar Wilde is getting a new tomb today. The Irish writer and poet was buried in the Paris Pére Lachaise Cemetary in 1909, and ever since has become quite the tourist attraction. It is the custom to leave a kiss on his grave, for reasons that are debated…but most say it is because of his daring and passionate lifestyle. Over the years the lipstick began to erode the stone, so the new grave will have a protective glass shield, which I assume will also soon be covered in kisses. 

 

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musée rodin…

 

 

Rodin-museum

 

I'll be honest…it has taken me many years to warm up to the works of Rodin. After seeing Midnight in Paris I knew I owed a visit to the beautiful Musée Rodin, situated near Les Invalides and housed in the beautiful Hotel Biron. After more research I am also quite fascinated with the history of the structure, with it's classical architecture and rich past…a few famous creatives took up residency there for a time. A friend of mine shared some of her photos from her visit to the museum yesterday, and my mind was made up…it is a must see. I will most likely be in love with Rodin by the time I leave there.

image courtesy of Jessica McDougall