Photo Credit: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Photography by Joe Pulcinella
By Pam George
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is the elegant receptacle for Henry Francis du Pont’s internationally famous American furniture and decorative arts collection. For instance, the mansion’s wood-paneled Marlboro Room has 18th-century furniture, Colonial-era portraits, and a tea service given to the H.F. du Pont’s parents in 1874.
But one object is not like the others.
Photography: Joe Pulcinella
At the room’s entrance is a Christmas tree covered in lime green, electric orange, and shocking pink silkscreens. While the images depict items found in the room, including a teapot, the presentation is a nod to the mod.
“Pop! Goes the Collection” by Mack Truax and Bob Trent is one of seven holiday trees inspired by the current exhibit, “Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur,” highlighting the museum’s Maker-Creator Fellows.
Consequently, this year’s “Yuletide at Winterthur” is a collision between the classic and the contemporary. The result might shock some attendees, but it is provocative.
Yuletide at Winterthur is a 30+ year tradition
The annual event, which opened Nov. 23 and runs until Jan. 5, is a 30+-year tradition.
The approach to the seasonal displays has changed over the years, said Reggie Lynch, director of interpretation and engagement, who oversees the originality of the Yuletide display.
“In years past, entire rooms have been emptied for displays, only to see the following year emphasize American winter traditions throughout history,” he explained.
More recently, organizers have linked the current exhibit with the seasonal event.
For instance, during the exhibit “Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House,” the trees highlighted the First Ladies and their White House Christmas traditions.
Last year, to celebrate the “Ann Lowe: American Couturier” exhibit, Winterthur commissioned Delaware-based couturiers Asata Maisé Beeks and Shawn Baron Pinckney to create fashions inspired by Ann Lowe and Winterthur.
The contemporary twist
The current exhibit, “Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur,” features the work of more than 30 nationally recognized contemporary artists inspired by Winterthur’s collections, grounds, and history.
“We wanted to highlight that same spirit in the [Yuletide] display,” Lynch said.
Contemporary is not a stretch.
It bears noting that du Pont was on the board of trustees for the Museum of Modern Art, and many of his homes—yes, plural—featured Mid-Century Modern pieces.
“Contemporary art actually fits well within what our founder, H. F. du Pont, was doing as he designed Winterthur,” Lynch explained.
Photo: Joe Pulcinella
“In each room and garden at Winterthur, he was playing with line, color, and shape in very modern ways,” he continued. “Our staff did an amazing job pulling that modern, out-of-the-box thinking through to the displays. We like to say you can see a beautiful Christmas tree anywhere this time of year, but at Winterthur, you’ll get that extra artistic flare that makes us unique.”
On opening day, a pianist performed on the grand piano in the breathtakingly beautiful Chinese Parlor, whose walls are covered in hand-painted 18th-century Chinese wallpaper. (To accommodate the paper, he combined three rooms from the home’s original section, built in 1839.)
The tree in this room is a gorgeous explosion of cobalt blue, midnight blue, musical notes and instruments and gold flora.
One of the more unusual trees demonstrates du Pont’s love of green—some 48 shades. The tree is adorned with paint samples of the hues.
A whimsical tree in a cozy room inspired by Aesop’s Fables celebrates Wintethur’s collaboration with Forgotten Cats, which humanely traps, vaccinates, sterilizes and rehomes feral cats. The tree’s photos are of adopted cats.
It’s only been a few days, so Winterthur’s team is still collecting attendee feedback. But last year’s mix of old and new was met with “excitement—even awe,” he said.
A preview of the 2025 approach
Next year, expect a return to more traditional displays, he said. However, there will be “no shortage of beauty, creativity, and awe-inspiring moments,” he added.
“We hope that people leave Winterthur inspired to create beauty in their own homes and gardens,” he concluded.
For inspiration, Winterthur has a series of talks, workshops and guided discussions.
Additionally, the museum will have a Santa Clause Meet and Greet on Dec. 4, a live performance of “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 12, and an OperaDelaware candlelight concert on Dec. 14. There is also a brunch with Santa on Dec. 14
For information on events, visit https://www.winterthur.org/
IF YOU GO
Yuletide at Winterthur
Through Jan. 5 (Closed Christmas Day)
General admission tickets start at $8 for children 3-12 and go to $29 for adults
1-800-448-3883
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