The Art of Renovation
The Art of Renovation, by Barry Sugerman and Shannon Howard, is for readers who hope to transform their current dwellings into the homes of their dreams. It offers advice on how to seamlessly integrate homeowner's vision with what already exists, and it features before-and-after photographs of homes that have undergone artful makeovers. Quarry Books, Bloomington, Indiana, 2006; $19.99.
A new release by rustic furniture expert Ralph Kylloe, Hickory Furniture explores hickory furniture as an art form and discusses its cultural significance. The book indulges readers with history, contemporary finds and more than 100 photographs of hickory furniture. Gibbs Smith, Layton, Utah, 2006; $29.95.
Details: How to Design with Architectural Salvage and Antiques, by Brian Coleman, suggests that any room in any home can be embellished by architectural salvage. It offers tips on door hardware, vintage lighting, mantels, staircases, stained glass and more. Gibbs Smith, Layton, Utah, 2006; $21.95.
Hardscaping: How to Use Structures, Pathways, Patios & Ornaments in Your Garden by Keith Davitt suggests that the use of such structures as arbors, walls and fountains could be the key to making many gardens more satisfying. Each chapter examines a specific principle of hardscaping and shows readers how to incorporate structures into their landscapes. Sterling, New York, New York, 2006; $24.95.
The new orientation center at Mount Vernon
We’ve all been there at least once in our lives, whether as students on field trips, children being dragged to the historic residence by our loving parents, or as parents offering our children a dose of American history.
But starting this fall, there are a few fresh attractions at Mount Vernon that will shed new light on the father of our country. On October 27th, two new buildings will open to the public at Mount Vernon. One is an orientation center, which will show an 18-minute video on the first president and display a one-twelfth scale replica of the Mount Vernon mansion.
The other is an education center, which will house, among other artifacts, President Washington’s tackle box and fishing hooks; replicas of Martha Washington’s wedding dress and shoes; and a seldom seen pair of President Washington’s dentures, which, contrary to popular legend, are not actually made of wood.
“We have found in recent years that visitors are coming to Mount Vernon with only the most basic knowledge about George Washington,” said Mount Vernon executive director James C. Rees. “To preserve his legacy, we are building new facilities to show visitors specifically why George Washington, the most dynamic leader of his time, was chosen again and again by the founding fathers to lead this country.”
For more information, visit www.mountvernon.org.
