The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-10-30

grandchildren, some of whom are always
at the house
At his home Mr.. jefferson is not SO
much the actor as he is the artist. the
collector, who has gathered from all
parts of the world the best works of the
masters. the finest tapestries, and arti-
cles to which workers in wood have given
their best skill. In fact, he prefers not
to discuss the stage, except in a general
way. and even then he shows a DISPOSE
ton to do most of the listening. Yet
during his last years on the stage he
was as painstaking as careful over de-
tails in a production in which he had
appeared hundr of times, as he was on
the opening night.
During the play he spent no more time
in his dressing room than was necessary
to make changes. When not before the
footights he preferre~. to watch the play
from the wings, to keep in touch with
every member of the company and his or
her work; to watch her slips and make
suggestions, with the view of making
each succeeding performance better. And
it is told of the veteran that, even In re-
cent years, when a new company was be-
ing orgaized he was the most nerve IS
member of the organization. and his
nervousness remained until he had be
come familiar with all who were to work
with him.
These were matters apart from his
home life at Buzards Bay, where among
his treasures, his friends found him
great entertainer. prepared to please the
eyes rs y ell as the ear.
He is inter sely interested in farming
doin;; much of the work with his own
hands setting out trees and making eN-
periments in fruit culture; but to ms
friends he disclaims all pretence of be-
ing gentleman farmer.
I'm simply farmer; a plain every
dav farmer" he once said. Il don't
want to be known as a gentleman farm
err
The democracy of Joseph Jefferson is
emphasized in this as in many other
particulars. With him occupation does
not count for much If it can be said of a
person. "He is man" Talking once on
this subject he said: YAH men are in
some way equal artists meet on level;
a king and his vassal. If posessors Of
genius. can meet on equal ground; Ant.
m fact If the slave has the superior tai
ent the other fellow has got to acknow-
1t dee it ard take points f'cm him.
His Studio and His Work.
If there is one place where Mr.. Jeffer-
son has found more pleasure than III
any other on his estate at Buzzards bay
X is the studio, fitted up in true Jeffef-
S0nlan style III the upPSi S'oAs - -
barn. II is a commodious room, about
Il by 30 feet. and well adapted for its
uses The painting window with nearly
north exposure, gives a good top light,
and everything necessary for good work
has been provided An artist who visit
ed Mr.. Jefferson found much that was
new. and, describing the place said:
Before entering the door the artist Will
be held up with inquisitive interest by a
large nat-bed printing press and Will
muse to himself: Shades of Albert Durer,
but is Mr. jefferson an etcher, too?'
This is used in the production of his
monotones, of which he has made some
clever examples, proofs of which may
be seen on the walls.
."The first thing which takes ones at
tention upon entering is naturally the
work in hand on the easel This, at the
time of the writer's visit was a noun
| tain cascade. a cursory glance about re-
vealed the usual studio traps and some
| things unique. A tall metal revolving
stand, five feet high, of some pretence.
| for tube eolors. brushes, bottles and rags.
| This is at the left of his easel, which is
| of cherry and cleverly contrived for adj
| justment of height ana inclination of can
| vas. At the right is a low, convenient
| box stand for palette and materials while
| painting. His palette is very large and of
metal. and unlike anything | have ever
| seen
! "Canvases and pictures by the hundred
and frames stacked up against the walls
| in profusion and in confusion. too. as is
usually the case in an artists den. are
here On shelves. handy and within easy
! reach of the painter when at the EASEL