Preservation Society’s Summer Lecture Series Continues Wednesday with “Great Houses: The Frick Collection”

Ian WardropperThe Preservation Society of Newport County’s Summer Lecture Series “Great Houses” continues this Wednesday, July 12th -6pm at Rosecliff – with Ian Wardropper, Director of The Frick Collection.

From Coal Dust to Gilt-Edged: Henry Clay Frick’s Evolution as a Collector

When the Mellon Bank sent a representative to interview Frick in Broadford, Pennsylvania for a prospective loan in 1870, the report came back that he “may be a little too enthusiastic about pictures, but not enough to hurt.” As the industrialist’s fortune grew, he began collecting contemporary American, French, and British art for Clayton, his Pittsburgh house. By the time he moved to New York around 1900 he was assembling one of the finest Old Master art collections in the world. This lecture traces the trajectory of his taste and examines the mansions he built around the art that he loved. 

Reception to follow the lecture.

Admission is $10 for Preservation Society members, $15 for the general public. Advance registration is required.  Register online or call 401-847-1851.