There are two big focal points in this room – the fireplace and the tapestries. Showing Mrs. Gardner’s truly international viewpoint, elements in this space come from all over the world. The first focus in the room is the enormous stone fireplace that comes from France. It’s so big that it was impossible for me to capture it in one image! In the above photo, you will see the shadows of someone’s head standing in front of the fireplace that’s how tall it is.
Details of the carving in the stone mantle.
The restored floor, that had been hidden under years of gunge and black paint.
The gorgeous 16th century tapestries are going to be sent back to Belgium for restoration soon.
More about the Tapestry Room here.
All above photos by Linda Merrill
Below are photos taken in 1926, TE Marr & Sons, via WBUR.
And a photo from early 2012, showing the renovated space, returning it to its former glory. Photo WBUR/Jesse Costa.
Coming soon, the new Renzo Piano Wing!
