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Camp Rosemary: The Estate of Posy Krehbiel, Part I
|
- Sale 6452
Live
| Chicago
Dec 10 | 10:00 AM CST
Live
| Chicago
Sale 6452
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$1,500 – $2,500
Camp Rosemary, as it is affectionately known by the family who have been its stewards since 1988, comprises nearly nine acres of awe-inspiring gardens and a classically proportioned red brick Georgian house designed in 1904 by Benjamin Marshall for John Taylor Pirie (1871-1940) and his wife Sophie Skirving Hunter (1872-1966). At the time, Marshall engaged Bostonian landscape architect Rose Standish Nichols to design the estate’s formal gardens. Today, the house and gardens are a culmination of thirty years of collaboration between Posy Krehbiel, her family, a dedicated team of workers, architects, designers, and distinguished gardeners.
Posy Krehbiel, a renowned philanthropist, artist, athlete, world traveler, and avid gardener, cultivated an extraordinary life at Camp Rosemary. Beginning with renovations by Chicago architect Thomas Beeby, Kirsten Beeby, and later working with Imogen Taylor of Colefax and Fowler—the leading arbiters of English country house taste—Posy and John Krehbiel preserved and enhanced their historic property, a treasured stalwart of Lake Forest heritage. With a thoughtful eye for preservation and a keen sense of taste, Posy and John breathed new life into the home, expanding its footprint through the addition of a delightfully ornamental swimming pool folly with a Dutch-inspired gable rising over an open terrace. The pool house’s interiors, on the other hand, are inspired by classical Swedish rooms, with trompe l’oeil painted murals. A destructive fire in 1995 ruined part of the garage wing and the apartment above it, providing an opportunity to build a conservatory and with it an adjoining guest house. And on and on, creating a stylish, comfortable, and unpretentious residence, as well as perhaps the finest private garden in North America.
Throughout Posy’s home’s collection, the connection to the garden is profound. Botanical upholstery, framed specimens, and leaf-form ceramics are pervasive. Eighteenth century English and Continental furniture complete the country house idyll. Now, the thousands of enthusiasts who followed Posy Krehbiel through her garden gate can acquire one of many objects in which her vibrant, joyful essence is palpable.
Photos of Camp Rosemary by Tom Rossiter.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Corbin Horn
Vice President, Head of Department, European Furniture & Decorative Arts
Seat height 19 1/2 inches. The set is assembled from the following groups: a set of six side chairs, likely from the late 19th century; a pair of mid- to late 20th century side chairs made to match the set of six; and a pair of 20th century armchairs whose splats and legs show different carving than the side chairs. The overall set presents attractively and cohesively despite its assembled nature. Each is sturdy and can be comfortably sat upon. Typical signs of age and use such as nicks and scuffs to the finish; some of the older chairs have minor age splits to their splats, but no substantial damage or losses observed. Some of the seats have been rebuilt. Each chair has a removable fitted cover which is in very good and clean condition; beneath the covers is older upholstery.
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 [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
