FIRST SUNDAY GALLERY TALKS 2008

First Sunday of every month at 1 pm. Free to members or with museum admission.

Mary Cassatt and the Popes
January 6
The friendship between Ada and Theodate Pope and artist Mary Cassatt spanned three decades. At one time the Popes owned six works by Cassatt, who visited them at Hill-Stead in 1908. When the Popes traveled to France they were guests of the artist. Join interpreter Barbara Smith for a look at the art, letters and photographs documenting Mary Cassatt's relationship with the Pope family.

Theodate Pope's 141st Birthday
February 3
In a special tribute to Hill-Stead's architect and founder, award-winning poet Rennie McQuilkin and illustrator Sarah McQuilkin will read from their expanded second edition of North Northeast.

Gertrude Käsebier
March 2
Gertrude Käsebier (1852—1934), a colleague and friend of Alfred Steiglitz and Edward Steichen, was one of the top photographers of the early 20th century producing both artistic works and portrait commissions. The Pope family became patrons of Käsebier's shortly after she opened her first portrait studio in New York City, and she took many photographs of the family in their Farmington home. With interpreter Laurine Webb, view the Käsebier photos in the Pope collection and hear this remarkable woman's story.

Ellen Emmet Rand
April 6
A Salisbury, Connecticut resident, Ellen Emmet Rand (1875—1941) was one of the best society portraitists of her time. Trained in Paris over the course of her 50-year career, she painted Presidents and the rich and famous. Her portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt still hangs in the White House. Learn more about this artist with interpreter Peggy Sterns, and view her exceptional 1906 portrait of Ada Brooks Pope, which hangs in Hill-Stead's Dining Room.

Artist's Books
May 4
Hill-Stead is known for its renowned Impressionist painting collection, but like many collectors, Alfred A. Pope also had an interest in limited-edition artists' books. Hill-Stead's archives contain rarely-seen art books by Edgar Degas, Francisco de Goya, Leonard Bakst and William Nicholson. Learn more about these genuine works of art with interpreter Muriel Forbes.

Carriages and Cars: Traveling in Style
June 1
When the Pope family moved into Hill-Stead in 1901, transportation in America was in transition. Horse-drawn carriages remained the dominant form of vehicle, but the dawn of this new century witnessed an ever-increasing presence of the automobile. Always interested in the latest technology, the Popes bought their first car in 1905. With guest curator and museum volunteer Tracey Angels, tour the Carriages and Cars exhibition and learn about the White Steamer, Packard Victoria and Stutz Bearcat that traveled along Hill-Stead's graceful drive.

Italian Majolica
July 6
Take a closer look at the Popes' impressive collection of 16th- & 17th-century Italian majolica, purchased in Venice, Faenza, Deruta, Urbino, Castel Durante and Abruzzi. Learn how these fine objects were made, and for whom. You'll also discover what stylistic traits distinguish each type of pottery.

The Secrets of Hill-Stead's Cellar
August 3
Hill-Stead's vast, 9,000 square foot basement no longer contains the wine collection and food storage of 100 years ago. Today its contents tell a contemporary story of equal interest. See vestiges of the wine cellar and the 1901 heating and ventilation systems, as well as a state-of-the-art heating, air conditioning and cooling system essential to the preservation of the museum's priceless collection.

Accoutrements of the Toilette
September 7
The Pope women were well-equipped with proper implements for grooming, both for travel and for time at home. With interpreter Celeste Polley, take a close look at a Tiffany's Toiletries Set, Theodate's Grand Tour gift from her Papa, and the collection of Dresser Sets on display throughout the house. From hair receivers, buttonhooks, buffers and rouge pots, discover beauty processes and products used by the well-dressed ladies of Hill-Stead and their visitors.

James McNeill Whistler and the Popes
October 5
Through his art and his correspondence with the family, learn about ex-patriot American artist James McNeill Whistler's relationship with the Popes. With interpreter Janet Conlin, view family diaries and correspondence and discuss the paintings and prints by Whistler in the Pope collection.

Japanese Woodblock Prints
November 2
Explore Hill-Stead's collection of Japanese woodblock prints and learn about their influence on the Impressionists. You'll also learn about the artists who created them, and the techniques and subject matter they were famous for.