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The Hill-Stead: An American masterpiece of applied art and design

This course invites you to uncover the secrets of Farmington’s Hill-Stead Museum, a remarkable home that is a work of art in itself. Designed by one of America's first female architects, Theodate Pope, Hill-Stead is a testament to the power of applied art—with everything from the furniture to the paintings part of a single, brilliant vision. We'll explore the home's stunning art collection, including masterpieces by Monet and Manet, and then be introduced to the breathtaking beauty of the Sunken Garden, a landscape designed by the legendary Beatrix Farrand.

While this course stands on its own, it also provides a fascinating extension to the themes explored in Vicky McCarthy's previous courses. If you've joined us before, you'll see new connections to our discussions on symbolic plant language in “The Enclosed Garden” and the concept of “total design” in “Elementary, My Dear Watson.” For first-time students, this course is a perfect introduction to the history of applied art and landscape architecture. The course will conclude with a visit to the Pope house and the Sunken Garden.

Instructor: Vicky McCarthy