Evening star., 1938-03-15

ing and intelligence OF the master of
the house.
X X X
THE drawing room is an ample
squarish room, not large, but CIV
ing feeling of space because of its
perfect proportion. The walls of the
room are sheathed with pine, which
originally served merely as base
for a satin damask covering Stripped
OF numerous layers of wall paper its
deep natural wood tone is compile
mentary foil for the beautifully de-
signed overmantel,. cornice, recessed
cupboards and window reveals carved
by Buckland. Each wall Of this room
was carefully planned and its carved
decoration minutely worked out.
Down to the least detail Of rope mold
ing, or rosette, each separate unit Is
exquisite in itself and lends to the
whole room an air of richness and
elegance. In restoring this room to
its original character the heart
breaking work of removing layers OF
paint has been done so carefully that
the marks of Buckland's chisel, as he
cut into the soft pine to form his de-
signs, may still be seen.
The master chamber that is entered
from this room is the finest example
OF Chinese Chippendale interior any,
where in this country. Chippendale
was the fashionable cabinetmaker in
England in the 18th century. His
designs in book form were sent to this
country. Buckland interpreted these
designs with rare skill and the present
owner has carried the idea further,
by covering the walls with grasscloth,
which with the years has acquired an
uneven surface color. forming a gra-
cious background for Chinese wall
hangings and panels. Above the doors
are delightful little Buddhas of dull
gold. who gaze serenely from their
pagoda like shelters. On the mantel
are two beautiful temple pieces and
deep blue cloisonne vases.
A CROSS the hall in the library the
= most interesting details are the
recessed book closets on either side of
the fireplace, with decorative fan lights
above glass doors. How carefully and
thoughtfully the owner of the house
planned to protect his library from
dust and at the same time make it so
much part of the decoration OF the
room. George Mason must have con-
versed with his good friends in this
room on the state of the Nation, and
after their departure spent many
thoughtful hours before his fire or at
his desk writing the ideas which later
became the documents that the laws
Of the Nation are based. Above the
mantel in this room is framed the
Declaration of Rights" in Mason's
handwriting, the large sprawling let
ters and faded brown ink making a |
decorative panel, on which the words |
life, liberty and the pursuit Of happi-
ness" are visible.
From the south door Of the main |
hall We step out to the walk that leads
to the garden. Beautiful old box
that has been growing since the house
was built towers way above our heads
as we walk to the garden house which
looks down over beautiful gardens,
then to deer park, the river and the
Maryland shore in the distance. No
where in this country is there box to
compare with this, and as we stand
looking back toward the house we are
overcome with admiration of the per-
son who so enjoyed the creation of
this lovely place, and again for the
person whose Joy has been in its
restoration. 1t is beautiful piece of
work. thoughtfully and devotedly done.
The present owner has refused all
offers to purchase his home He has
conveyed it by-a deed of gift to the
State of Virginia and has appointed
the National Society of Colonial Danes
Of America as custodians. Though it
is intended as memorial to George
Mason, it will be forever a memorial
to the present owner and his wife, for
their careful preservation of it against
the inroads Of bad taste, time and
weather. Gunston Hall will be open
to the public during garden week,
April 25 to 30