Winterthur's Literary Wonders

A few years ago, Kathy, a friend of mine, introduced me to Winterthur, a DuPont mansion just over the border in Delaware.  Marty and I opted to become members and each December we look forward to the Yuletide Event to see what transformations will take place within its walls. 

This year, the theme is Storybooks and Literature highlighting the holdings of the Dupont Estate. 

Yesterday, Marty and I hopped in the car and made the trip east, driving along low stress, charming country roads under a bright blue sky.  It was really the perfect day for our venture. 

We parked in the lot, checked in at the desk, and decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk to the entrance.  The light filled tunnel is simply enchanting.  The picture doesn't do it justice. 

Walking through the lot, we passed the first theme decorated tree entitled, "A New Coat for Anna".  The decorations were very clever, with unique tape measure designs, spools of thread and hand made sheep adorning the greenery. 

And what says "old fashioned: more than this truck complete with a simple decorated tree and flexible flyer sled?

Soon we were at the entrance to the solarium where we were pleasantly surprised to be ushered right through to the house without having to wait.  But we couldn't skip a quick photo of the traditional tree constructed from dried flowers harvested from the estate grounds. 

Through the doors we were greeted by a guide who explained that the trees this year were based on selected pieces of literature that were holdings of the estate. 

The tree featured some of the rare volumes that were owned by the DuPont family. When the original Pier Samuel came to America in 1800, he brought nearly 8000 books with him.  It became a tradition in the family to exchange books on New Year's Day.  

Entering the drawing room we see The Tragedy of MacBeth.  The glowing cauldron beneath the tree, in the relatively dark room, enhanced the aura. 

The next room on the tour reflected the workings of J.J. Granville and his 1800's era drawings of humans amid flowers. The pastel colors were enhanced by the light colors on the walls. 

The Chinese room has always been fascinating with its walls covered in 1700 Chinese wall paper.  The decorators used the theme to adorn this tree. 

A daffodil tree representing the William Wordsworth poem, "I Wandered as a Lonely Cloud"

The Black Tulip based on the Alexandre Dumas novel by the same name, written in 1850. 

I was completely enthralled with the stairway representation of Alice in Wonderland.  Note the pink flamingos, playing cards, rabbit at the top, and a tree featuring a cheshire grin and top hat in place of a star.  Very clever, don't you think? 

A drawing  room was appropriately decorated in honor of Oscar Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Ernest", a favorite of mine. 

Here you see a small, sea adventure tree that is actually a tribute to novel, Moby Dick.  I found the jumping fish and life preservers to be rather amusing. 

Under glass, next to the tree, is an engraved whale tooth, one of the family collection. 

These billowy trees are in tribute to hymns written by the American Poet Phillis Wheatley in the 18th century. She was enslaved as a child, but the Wheatley family celebrated her talent for literature. 

the trees represent "Hymn to the Morning"

and Hymn to the Evening. 

The Dining room was decorated to represent Old Fezziwig's entertainment venue from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  One could almost feel the festivities

and imagine the taste of the delectable delights. 

A rare 11th edition of the famous novel is displayed behind glass. 

Down a hallway leading from the dining room is a parlor featuring depictions from the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" published in 1823.  Isn't this image of Santa familiar?

The architecture and decor reflect the Georgian period in which the poem was written. 

The Gift of the Magi is one we find familiar, written in 1905.  The tree featured various watches among the limbs as well as combs for Della's hair. 

This next representation certainly took me by surprise.  It is entitled The Purple Cow.  It is believed to have stemmed from a poem written in 1895 bye Gelett Burgess. 

"I never saw a purple cow,

I never hope to see one;

but I can tell you, anyhow

I'd rather see than be one."

In a small alcove off the hall we find a tree devoted to a nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty. 

The main living room featured a large tree adorned with white flowers, feathers, pearls and champagne glasses. 

It represents the grandiose style from the classic, The Great Gatsby. 

That completed our house tour, but we couldn't leave without venturing over to the museum to see the famous Gingerbread display. 

A lovely arrangement adorned the outdoor entrance. 

and in the back corners, on either side, were displays devoted to The Secret Garden. 

Very cleverly done, there was a dog made from shredded paper and a hedgehog made from a folded book. 

Aren't they entertaining? 

By now, the smell of gingerbread was enticing us, so we headed to the room where every year a spectacular  model is on display. 

You can see the details of this edible delight. 

Note the windows of the train which appear to show passengers inside. 

and the white puff of smoke was entertaining as well.  Such clever representations, don't you think?

We had a marvelous time visiting Winterthur again this year.  But the fun didn't end there.  We decided to head to the restaurant, The Best of Britain,  located in Wayne, PA,  to feast on some authentic British food.  We had visited last year and had enjoyed the food as well as the entertaining waitress.  

Imagine our surprise to have her wait on us again this year!  And, just like last year, how could we resist a photo together?

I hope you enjoyed following along on our adventures.  We certainly had a grand time living them!

Until next time...