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European Furniture and Decorative Arts
|
- Sale 6334
Live
| Chicago
Apr 22 | 10:00 AM CDT
Live
| Chicago
Sale 6334
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$3,000 – $5,000
Note:
Whitemarsh Hall was the 300 acre Gilded Age estate of Philadelphia banker Edward Townsend Stotesbury and his wife, Eva. Stotesbury commissioned architect Horace Trombauer to design the residence, which opened in 1920 with a celebration hosting 800 of Philadelphia's high society. The grounds were designed by French landscape architect Jacques Greber and the interiors were furnished with antiques and important European paintings by New York dealer Joseph Duveen.
As a result of the stock market crash in 1929 and the Depression that followed, maintenance of the grand estate became increasingly difficult. In 1932 the Stotesburys closed Whitemarsh Hall and left for Europe. Their financial strain continued until Edward's death in 1938. Eva could no longer afford to live there, so she sold the home to the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company in 1943. The home was transformed to the company's headquarters and laboratories and much of the acreage was sold to a developer.
The company moved in 1963, and while there were a few subsequent owners, the home fell into disrepair. While some efforts were made to save the mansion, it was demolished in 1980. [1]
[1] Zwicker, Charles G. and Edward C. with the Springfield Township Historical Society, Whitemarsh Hall: The Estate of Edward T. Stotesbury (Arcadia Publishing, 2004), 7-8.
In overall decent, stable condition. Old scuffs, marks and scratches throughout consistent with age and use. Only one large glass panel is present and intact. There is a separate box of 34 small glass panels which were not installed prior to photography, there are a total of 36 spaces for smaller glass panes on top dome structure. Several giltwood elements are detached, but present. Three of the medallion elements on corners of top lacing parts of ribbon decoration. Has not been wired for electricity.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email europeanfurniture@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email europeanfurniture@hindmanauctions.com
Corbin Horn
Vice President, Head of Department, European Furniture & Decorative Arts
