Discover Chihuly at Biltmore: A Peek Inside the Exhibition Posted on April 25, 2024 at 6:07 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Chihuly at Biltmore was on display from March 25, 2024–February 2, 2025. Please enjoy this archived content. Chihuly at Biltmore is a new exhibition featuring 33 different artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Get ready to be transported to another world as you move through the breathtaking galleries of Amherst with a peek inside this must-see exhibition. Dale Chihuly, Icicle Chandeliers and Towers, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2015 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Explore artwork throughout seven galleries “This is the first time Biltmore has hosted a Chihuly exhibition since 2018 when his work was displayed primarily in the gardens,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Entertainment and Event Programming. By hosting the exhibition in Amherst at Deerpark®, you will have a chance to explore Chihuly’s work in a gallery setting. The location enabled our team to select works of art that are different from the last exhibit and highlight additional aspects of Chihuly’s remarkable career. It took three years of collaboration and planning to create a custom-designed space for this large-scale exhibition to be displayed throughout seven galleries. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 – February 2, 2025 at Amherst, Dale Chihuly, Tabac Baskets, 2008 with Western trade blankets, Soft Cylinders (detail), 2008-14, and Peach Cylinders with Indian Blanket Drawings, 1995-2016, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024, © 1995 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon and Neodymium Reeds on Logs (detail), 2023, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Learn about the artist, Dale Chihuly “With Chihuly at Biltmore, you’ll experience a curated exhibition that showcases how inspiration, design, and technique come together in breathtaking objects and installations,” said Travis. As part of the exhibition, a comprehensive timeline offers details into Chihuly’s development of innovative techniques and inspired exhibitions throughout his career. “There is a beautiful variety of art on display made up of various colors, shapes, and compositions,” Travis said. “This is an ideal setting for you to not only view the installations, but learn about Dale Chihuly’s life, work, and his powerful influence on art, as well as Biltmore’s own connection to glass art.” Installations around the estate In addition to the awe-inspiring installations in Amherst, you have the opportunity to marvel at two large-scale installations presented on estate grounds: A Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower on the East Terrace in front of Biltmore House and a freestanding Torchlight Chandelier at the Entry Green in Antler Hill Village. While in the Village, be sure to admire Chihuly’s Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier in the Winery. Installed in 2023, it was created especially for Biltmore and is part of the estate’s permanent collection. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 through February 2, 2025 at Amherst at Deerpark. Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, Asheville, North Carolina, 2024, © 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. You don’t want to miss Chihuly at Biltmore While Dale Chihuly’s work is represented in museums and collections throughout the world, viewing it here at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, brings past and present full circle. “The estate has always been a destination for art and culture, from the glass art and other remarkable objects the Vanderbilts collected–including paintings by Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, and James Whistler–to the beautiful gardens and grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect, and our award-winning wines handcrafted at Biltmore’s Winery,” Travis noted. “That’s why Biltmore is the perfect place to experience this extraordinary exhibition!” Just as George Vanderbilt loved sharing world-class artwork with his guests over a century ago, we look forward to sharing Chihuly at Biltmore with you! Featured image: A family discovers the iconic Persian Ceiling in the exhibition. Dale Chihuly, Persian Ceiling, 2012, 25 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2012 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Wedding Bells for John and Cornelia Cecil Posted on April 19, 2024 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Biltmore has witnessed countless celebrations over the last 129 years, but perhaps none so grand as the wedding of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s only child, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, to the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil. April 29, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of this monumental event. To celebrate, let’s take a look at John and Cornelia’s wedding by the numbers! Escorted by her mother Edith, Cornelia Vanderbilt follows her bridesmaids into All Souls Church. April 29, 1924 × Rachel Strong insisted on wearing a white organdy Lanvin gown with a full skirt, accented with a large white hat. × The bridesmaids wore green flowered crepe-de-chine dresses cut straight, accented by black and white hosiery and small white straw hats. × The flower girls wore white dresses with full skirts, ballet slippers, and butterfly necklaces gifted to them by Cornelia. × John Cecil’s groomsmen wore dark tuxedos with tails and could opt to wear spats. × Wedding bells are ringing Cornelia Vanderbilt had eight bridesmaids. Among them were her school friends from Miss Madeira’s, cousins, cousins-to-be, and her best friend, Rachel “Bunchy” Strong, as maid of honor. John Cecil had a matching eight ushers, including Hugh Tennant, his best man and superior officer at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. Several of his groomsmen were men he lived with upon arriving in the United States in 1923, a group known as the “British Bachelors.” Others included his cousin Robert Cecil, childhood friend Benjamin Bernard, and Cornelia’s cousin John Nicholas Brown. The wedding party also included two flower girls: Helen Raoul and Peggy Morgan, both daughters of family friends in Asheville. Guests wait to enter All Souls Church. April 29, 1924 Quantifying the guest list The Cecil wedding was a high-profile event celebrating the union of not only two individuals, but two countries. The guest list reflected the prominence of both the Vanderbilt and Cecil families. It included aristocracy, diplomats, politicians, and socialites of both the United States and United Kingdom—all mingling with the estate’s residents and employees, for whom a section of All Souls Church was reserved. In total, 500 people were invited to the ceremony held at All Souls Church, while another 2,500 received a separate invitation to attend just the reception at Biltmore. While many invitations were respectfully declined, the Cecil’s welcomed more than 1,000 attendees! Biltmore House stands ready for wedding guests. April 29, 1924 Renovations for accommodations Although many guests stayed at Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Country Club, and Kenilworth Inn, those closest to Cornelia were invited to stay in Biltmore House. A group of 43 family members and friends occupied the 35 bedrooms—including the Oak Sitting Room, where members of the bridal party stayed together. Because the wedding marked the most guests ever accommodated in the house at one time, preparations began as early as March 15, 1924—before the Cecils formally announced their engagement. Some rooms were renovated, while others were extensively cleaned before being furnished. That the house was ready for a record number of guests in just six weeks is a testament to the skill of Biltmore’s domestic staff. Pollyann Foster greets John and Cornelia Cecil following their wedding. April 29, 1924 Cupid’s innocent greeting Following the wedding ceremony, 44 children of Biltmore Estate employees lined up outside All Souls Church. The newlyweds recessed from the church down an aisle formed by the children, each of whom held spring blossoms that they crossed to form an arch. At the end of this receiving line, they were greeted by Pollyann Foster, one of the estate’s youngest residents, dressed as Cupid. Crossed flags, representing the bride and groom’s nationalities, greeted guests in the Main Hall. April 29, 1924 Two become one As guests entered for the reception, they were greeted by two flags hanging in the Entrance Hall: an American Flag and a British Union Jack. During the wedding breakfast served at the reception, both God Save the King and The Star-Spangled Banner were played. The couple turned toward their respective flags as the national anthem of each country rang out, signifying the union of two countries through their marriage. Keepsake cake with monogram details. “CVC” for Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil and “JFAC” for John Francis Amherst Cecil. Gifts of generosity Guests of John and Cornelia Cecil celebrated the couple in style, lavishing them with thoughtful gifts. Among the wedding gifts were 70 pieces of silver, 53 pieces of china, 25 pieces of jewelry, 20 books, and two pieces of Tiffany glass. Several notable gifts include a Jade Vanity Case, Jade Hatpin, and Amethyst Pendant. Not all gifts were opulent; servants of Biltmore House gifted heartwarming, homemade gifts–and even a puppy! In return, Cornelia and John gifted their guests a sweet treat from Maison Rauscher of Washington. Biltmore’s floral team displays a recreation of Cornelia and John’s wedding bell in the Tapestry Gallery. × The Honorable and Mrs. John F.A. Cecil pose beneath a large wedding bell displayed in the Tapestry Gallery. × Close-up view of the recreated wedding bell. × See a piece of history re-created! In honor of the 100th anniversary, our Floral team re-created the massive floral wedding bell under which John and Cornelia Cecil stood in the Tapestry Gallery to receive their guests. Covered in carnations and sweet peas, the decorative bell was on display, as part of our Spring at Biltmore celebrations. Featured image: John and Cornelia Cecil leave All Souls Church under an arch of floral branches carried by estate children.
Celebrate with Sensational Sangria Recipes Posted on April 9, 2024 at 4:28 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Celebrate the warmer months with these sensational sangria recipes featuring your favorite Biltmore wines! Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or rosés, there’s a perfect option in the following recipes to help you create fun and fruity sangrias for solo sipping and friendly gatherings all season long. White Wine Sangria Masterpiece Sangria Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or find a Biltmore wine retailer near you. White Wine Sangria Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the star of this refreshing white sangria dreamed up by Marley Goldin / @marleysmenu following a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. (Photo courtesy of @marleysmenu.) Sip on this delightful Sauvignon Blanc-based sangria recipe, created for Biltmore by Marley Goldin of @marleysmenu. Ingredients: 2 lemons, washed and sliced in wheels 2 limes, washed and sliced in wheels ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup triple sec 1 bottle of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc (or your favorite Biltmore white wine) 1 ½ cups strawberries, washed, tops removed, halved 2 cups club soda Ice Instructions: Into a large pitcher, add the lemon and lime slices and granulated sugar. Muddle for 30 seconds until the sugar combines with the citrus juices. Add the triple sec, then stir to combine. Add the Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc and sliced strawberries to the pitcher and stir again. Just before serving, add ice and club soda. Serves 8. Tip: This recipe can be made up to 24 ahead of time! The longer the fruit sits in the liquid, the more its flavor infuses. Hold off on adding the club soda and ice until just before serving. Masterpiece Sangria Our Masterpiece Collection wines honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a collector of fine vintages. Although traditional sangria recipes tend to feature red wines, this version with our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White Wine is a cool, refreshing treat for warm weather. Enjoy with friends and, should you have any leftover (we doubt you will!), freeze it for a fun take on grown-up popsicles or slushies. Ingredients: 1 bottle Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection White Wine (available this spring in estate shops and online) 4 ounces simple syrup 4 ounces brandy 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 limes, sliced in wheels 1 lemon, sliced in wheels then halved 1 Fuji apple, cubed 1 Anjou pear, cubed 1 mango, cubed Seeds from ½ pomegranate (optional) Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until well mixed, adding pomegranate seeds at the end for presentation as they tend to fall to the bottom after stirring. Serve over ice. If sangria sits overnight, add simple syrup to taste as additional juices will come forward the next day. Serves 4–6. Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria! Take time for yourself with a glass of Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria—the perfect sparkling treat for a leisurely Sunday morning brunch or a long afternoon on the porch. Ingredients: 3 ounces Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest ½ ounce Orange Curacao ½ ounce St. Remy Brandy ¾ ounce orange juice ¼ ounce grapefruit juice ½ ounce simple syrup 1 ounce Biltmore Estate® Brut sparkling wine Lime wedge and an orange wedge (optional garnish) Instructions: Add the first 6 ingredients to a small pitcher or shaker; mix until combined. Pour over ice in a wine glass and top with 1 ounce sparkling wine and garnish with lime and orange wedges. Serves 1, but can be easily multiplied for sharing.
Picture Perfectt: Biltmore’s Most Instaworthy Moments Posted on March 22, 2024 at 9:00 am.Written by Karina Hux A day on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is a photophile’s dream! No matter what style of photography you prefer, there’s always a place to #capturethemoment. We’ve found the most instaworthy spots; now all that’s left for you to do is get out your camera and point, tap, and shoot! Over 100,000 sunflowers will bloom in our sunflower field at the end of summer this year! #FarmyardFriends One way we continue our farming legacy is by raising some of the same heritage breeds that were here during George Vanderbilt’s lifetime. Everybody loves cute baby animals and spring is the prime time to meet the newest members of the Farmyard family. Kids will enjoy meeting our friendly farm animals, learning about life on the farm, and playing at the Pisgah Playground. If a deeper understanding of Biltmore and agriculture is what you’re looking for, our Farm to Table Tour and Taste will take you to the rarely seen West Side of the estate, where our livestock is raised and our greenhouses thrive. You’ll get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at our Black Angus and Jersey beef cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Dorper sheep. If you’re lucky, you might even see their hardworking protectors, three Great Pyrenees. #NaturalPerspective Sometimes the best photos are taken off the beaten path. With over 22 miles of trails to explore, you’re sure to find your own instaworthy hidden gems among the forests and fields. The Bass Pond offers a different perspective of Frederick Law Olmsted’s work on Biltmore Estate. One of our favorite spots to explore and capture is the Bass Pond, situated at the end of Biltmore’s formal gardens. Although it may be a bit of a walk, the charm of its scenery makes it well worth it. A rustic boathouse stands on the shore, and a bridge spans the waterfall at the far end. It’s the perfect spot for photographing instaworthy seasonal color changes and birdwatching all year long. Get lost in the natural wonder of Biltmore’s 8,000 acres. If you’re up for a challenge, we highly recommend exploring the Westover Trails for a deeper look at the Birthplace of American Forestry. The black route totals 3.5 miles round-trip, taking you deep into the beautiful woodlands of Biltmore Estate. Great for technical bike riding and an advanced hiking experience, it’s also a wonderful area to get that instaworthy photo of local flora and fauna. Just remember to put your comfy shoes on; this one’s a doozy! #SipandSavor Stop by The Library Lounge at The Inn on Biltmore Estate for a #buzzworthy view! Photo courtesy of Heather Angel. Are you a foodie that moonlights as a shutterbug? You’ll find delicious treats all across the estate! Stop by our Wine Bar in Antler Hill Village for a glass of our award-winning red, white, and rosé Biltmore Wines and expertly paired charcuterie or locally-crafted chocolates! For mouthwatering menus to share with your followers, be sure to visit one (or more!) of our seven restaurants; each featuring a selection of our estate-raised specialties bursting with flavor and vivid colors of the season’s fresh-grown herbs and vegetables. Photo courtesy of Camryn Glackin of Coral & Charm #SecretSpot! Just steps away from The Dining Room (our four-star dining experience) at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, you’ll find this serene lookout spot. George Vanderbilt was enamored with the rolling hills and Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop, and so are we. One of the most peaceful moments on the estate can be seen in the wee hours of the morning when the fog gently settles within the crevices of the hills. #BiltmoreBlooms Spring and summer are our most brightly colored seasons, but Biltmore’s gardens and grounds boast year-round beauty. Grab your cameras and stop to smell the tulips – and the azaleas, roses, orchids, daffodils; the list goes on and on! Tiptoe through the tulips with your loved ones. The Walled Garden is a guest favorite during Spring at Biltmore. This festival of flowers marks the blooming of our 100,000 bulbs planted estate-wide. You’ll find 50,000 tulips, 14,000 daffodils, 1,000 hyacinths, and a variety of other flowers and shrubs. During the summer months, the beds transform with towering tropical plants, Make your way down the paths to our soaring glass-ceilinged Conservatory for a one-of-a-kind display of lush, exotic, and tropical plants. Macro photographers will be in heaven with eye-level plants around every corner. Wisteria thrives with robust support, much like the sturdy crafted latticework it is holding onto. Situated near Biltmore House are two distinctive pergolas covered in eye-catching wisteria that blooms each spring; one on the Library Terrace and one just below the South Terrace. The scent of wisteria in full bloom is intoxicating and the light purple blooms flutter in the breeze! Take a seat on one of the benches and point your camera skyward. The Wisteria reaches out to greet your lens, beckoning for that #pictureperfect moment. Our night-blooming lilies reach their peak bloom in the early morning and close completely by noon. Right beside the Library Terrace of Biltmore House is the Italian Garden. Each spring and summer, numerous varieties of exotic water lilies, tropical bananas, papyrus, and other plants and flowers bloom in the water garden. The different colors and varieties create a mosaic effect for the koi fish to swim among. Although it’s one of the most visited areas of the estate, many guests don’t realize that it remains astoundingly faithful to the original design from 1895. #Instagood One of the most iconic views of America’s Largest Home® can be captured from the lower and high lawn atop the Rampe Douce. You’re going to want to get out your wide-angle lens for this view! Biltmore House stands in all its glory with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains just behind. It’s also a picture-perfect location to sprawl out on a warm day with a picnic basket and a bottle of Biltmore Wines! #TravelGoals You only live once, right? Are you ready to experience all the special instaworthy moments Biltmore has to offer? Reserve your visit and be sure to tag @biltmoreestate #biltmore when you share your memories on social! Tip: Be sure to review Biltmore’s photography policies before your visit.
Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Sweet Potato Skins Recipe Posted on March 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm.Written by Heather Angel This arugula salad recipe was created especially for Biltmore by Chef Vivian Howard of A Chef’s Life on PBS and is a perfect blend of taste and texture for spring! Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pairs well with many of our crisp, dry white wines including Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay and Vanderbilt Reserve® Sauvignon Blanc. Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard! Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Sweet Potato Skins Total time: 1 hour Serving Size: 4 people Ingredients: 4 roasted sweet potatoes (scoop out flesh and reserve for other use) Vegetable oil Kosher salt to taste 6 ounces mature spicy arugula leaves 1 cup shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, or Ricotta Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste Maple Reduction ½ cup maple syrup or honey ¼ cup cider vinegar 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 pinch chili flakes Instructions: Roast sweet potatoes in a 450°F oven for 45–60 minutes. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh; reserve for other use. Cut your sweet potato skins into strips or wedges. Add enough oil to a sauté pan so that it climbs about a third of an inch up the pan’s sides. Heat the oil over medium heat and brown the skins on both sides. Some parts of the skin will be browner than others. Drain the skins on paper towels and season them liberally with kosher salt. Meanwhile in a small sauce or sauté pan simmer together the maple syrup, coriander seeds, vinegar and chili flakes till it reduces ever so slightly. Toss arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and shaved cheese together in a bowl. Portion onto four plates and top each serving with sweet potato skins. Drizzle with maple reduction.
Exotic Orchids Bloom on This Wine Label Posted on March 11, 2024 at 2:23 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Discover how the exotic orchids that “bloom” on the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines are entwined with our history. Orchids at Biltmore Glorious blooms in the Orchid Room inside the Conservatory at Biltmore. Each release in our Masterpiece Collection is specially created to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a collector of extraordinary treasures and exceptional vintages. “We chose orchids for the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines because George Vanderbilt enjoyed them,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “I love orchids, too, and appreciate sharing that connection with Mr. Vanderbilt.” Local artist creates the labels Artist Bryan Koontz of Weaverville, NC, spent time in the Orchid Room in the Conservatory, studying the beautiful blooms–some of which are the same varieties that landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted originally ordered for Biltmore. Bryan Koontz created this series of sketches, eventually narrowing the field down to four specific blooms. After sketching many different orchids, the field was narrowed to four different varieties. Bryan then painted original watercolors of each bloom to create a series of four labels that capture each of the different orchids with all their glorious details. Bryan created original watercolor paintings featuring four different orchids for the Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines. Wine tasting notes and pairing suggestions Savor our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines separately, or collect the entire “bouquet” with four beautiful orchid labels! For this Masterpiece Collection release, Sharon handcrafted two different wines: a crisp, smooth, and refreshing white blend and a fragrant, fresh, and delicious rosé. Masterpiece Collection White Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and features a soft floral aroma with hints of spice and citrus followed by flavors of white peach and clementine. With nicely balanced acidity and sweetness, it pairs perfectly with quiche, pasta Alfredo, Italian wedding soup, and delicate spring vegetables. Masterpiece Collection Rosé Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and opens with delicate vanilla and floral aromas that give way to juicy flavors of strawberry and rock candy, plus bright acidity. Sip this well-balanced wine as an aperitif before serving with charcuterie, shellfish, olives, crudités, or a classic bagna cauda dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Both Masterpiece Collection wines are perfect for brunch, light luncheons, and spring celebrations. Enjoy them separately or collect a beautiful “bouquet” featuring all four orchid varieties! Discover all of our wines, including the Masterpiece Collection Enjoy our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines at your next brunch or luncheon! Find all of our wines, including Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines, in estate shops, online, or through your local retailer. These limited release wines are available while supplies last.
Glorious Glass at Biltmore Posted on March 7, 2024 at 9:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton With Chihuly at Biltmore—an exhibition featuring an all-new curation of artist Dale Chihuly’s work— now on display, we wanted to share some other types of glorious glass at the estate. From decorative art glass to functional glassware and more, here are some interesting details about different pieces in Biltmore’s collection: Intriguing green glass Known as uranium glass, this set has a green tint under normal lighting conditions, but becomes a bright glowing green when shown under ultraviolet light. “While cleaning and photographing the china and crystal in the Butler’s Pantry, we came across an interesting set of glassware,” said Genevieve Bieniosek, Furniture Conservator. “We don’t have records that show when it was acquired, but it turned out to be uranium glass.” Under regular lighting, uranium glass is a pale, transparent green or greenish-yellow, but when exposed to ultraviolet energy, the pieces fluoresce bright green. “Manufacturers added uranium oxide to glass to produce a range of colors from pale greenish-yellow to bright green,” Genevieve said. “It has been used as a glass colorant since at least the 1830s, although its use was discontinued for a 15-year period beginning with WWII when uranium became more regulated.” The LaFarge stained glass windows Hospitalitas/Prosperitas (Hospitality/Prosperity), part of the Fruits of Prosperity series of stained glass windows created by John LaFarge, are now displayed in Biltmore’s Winery. From 1880–1882, George Vanderbilt’s father, William H. Vanderbilt, built a grand house known as the Triple Palace on New York’s newly fashionable Fifth Avenue. Mr. Vanderbilt commissioned artist and interior designer John La Farge to create three stained glass windows for the central stairwell of his new home. The Fruits of Commerce, Hospitalitas/Prosperitas, and The Golden Apples of Hesperides feature different themes and are considered to be among La Farge’s finest work. The windows showcase his experimental techniques, which influenced the work of another famous stained-glass artist: Louis Comfort Tiffany. George Vanderbilt inherited the home after his parents’ deaths and the La Farge windows were eventually moved to Biltmore and placed in storage. The three-panel window entitled Hospitalis/Prosperitas is now displayed at Biltmore Winery. An unusual vase Glass vase by Louis Comfort Tiffany The Claude Room, one of the elegant Louis XV Suite of guest bedrooms in Biltmore House, features another unusual piece of glass—a vase created by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1890. The hand-blown vase features layers of glass in different colors, with a gold metallic surface and woven sterling silver overlay. Though the style is markedly different from Tiffany’s iconic stained glass lamps, it demonstrates his mastery of glassmaking techniques. The Glassblower Le Souffleur de Verre (The Glassblower), Constantin Meunier, 1889 In 1913, George and Edith Vanderbilt purchased eight bronze works from an exhibition of Constantin Meunier’s work, including Le Souffleur de Verre (The Glassblower). While this sculpture is not made of glass, it faithfully captures the physical details of a glassblower at work, creating an interesting connection with the actual glass pieces. Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9-1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2023 © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Following the successful Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition in 2018 that featured Dale Chihuly’s work in our historic gardens, Biltmore commissioned a custom Chandelier by the artist. With colors inspired by the hues of our handcrafted wines, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier was installed at the Winery in 2023 as part of Biltmore’s private collection. “During his lifetime, George Vanderbilt collected a variety of fine art, including works by both Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. In their time, they helped revolutionize glass and glass art, much in the same way that Dale Chihuly has done in the last several decades. Chihuly’s transforming of traditional forms of glass and his large intricate public art installations has elevated glass art to a much higher form today,” said Darren Poupore, Biltmore’s Chief Curator.
Presenting the Artist: Dale Chihuly Posted on February 18, 2024 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Chihuly at Biltmore was on display from March 25, 2024–February 2, 2025. Please enjoy this archived content. Renowned for pushing the limits of glass as a medium, Dale Chihuly has presented groundbreaking artworks all around the world. With Chihuly at Biltmore now on display, we invite you to learn more about the artist and his lasting influences on contemporary art. James Mongrain, Dale Chihuly, and Andrea Lesnett, Rotolo in process, The Hotshop, The Boathouse, Seattle, 2013. ©Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Chihuly the innovator Born in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly embarked on his journey into the world of glass during his studies of interior design. His fascination with the medium led him to a Fulbright Scholarship that saw him travel to the renowned Venini glass factory in Venice, where he immersed himself in traditional techniques and team glassblowing. His innovative teaching methods and artistic vision left an undeniable mark on the field, pushing boundaries and emphasizing collaborative glassblowing techniques. Chihuly’s ideas have pushed the limits of glass as an artistic medium, with his work included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, earning him numerous awards, including two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and 13 honorary doctorates. Dale Chihuly Paintbrushes, 2016 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, installed 2019 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Basket Forest, 2001 Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Cobalt Reeds and Fiori, 2012; Glasshouse Sculpture, 2012; and Pacific Sun, 2011 Chihuly Garden and Glass, installed 2012 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Exhibitions around the world Chihuly’s love for travel began with his first trip to Italy at the age of 21, where he pursued the study of art in Florence. He returned to Italy in 1996 for perhaps his most iconic project, Chihuly Over Venice, a massive undertaking that started with glassblowing sessions in Finland, Ireland, and Mexico. At this time, his work has been featured in 26 countries and Chihuly continues to present ambitious exhibitions at museums and botanical gardens across the globe. Dale Chihuly, Ethereal White Persian Pond, 2018, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Art on a grand scale Chihuly’s work boasts more than a dozen acclaimed series, each a testament to his mastery of form and color. Among these are Cylinders, Baskets, Seaforms, Macchia, Persians, Venetians, Niijima Floats, Chandeliers, and Fiori—many of which are incorporated in the current exhibition at Biltmore! Chihuly’s lifelong fascination with nature and glasshouses grew into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings, including London’s Kew Gardens, Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. In 2012, his long-term exhibition, Chihuly Garden and Glass, opened at Seattle Center. In 2018, Biltmore welcomed Chihuly at Biltmore, an exhibition showcasing the artist’s breathtaking large-scale glass sculptures in the century-old gardens of America’s Largest Home®. This unique visual experience marked the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens and the first garden exhibition of artist Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. Dale Chihuly, Mille Fiori (detail), 2023, 8‐1/2 x 34‐1/2 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon and Neodymium Reeds on Logs (detail), 2023, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Ikebana Doppio Drawing Suite #9, 2001, 7 x 30′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2001 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × An all-new Chihuly at Biltmore The success of Chihuly’s 2018 outdoor exhibition at Biltmore paved the way for an all-new Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, now on view inside the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark®. Featuring 33 curated artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, Neon, and two large-scale installations on estate grounds, this exhibition offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chihuly’s iconic artworks. Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9-1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2023 © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Experience awe-inspiring artwork at Biltmore Ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder? Plan your visit and reserve your special admission-inclusive overnight package at one of our distinctive hotels for this must-see exhibition. Featured Image Dale Chihuly with Laguna Torcello II, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, 2018 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Sylvester Owens: Biltmore’s “Azalea King” Posted on January 21, 2024 at 7:59 pm.Written by Jean Sexton A significant and often overlooked employee in Biltmore’s past is Sylvester Owens: chauffeur, “Azalea Hunter,” and head gardener trained by Biltmore’s nursery manager and later estate superintendent Chauncey Beadle. It is because of Owens’ passion and expertise that Beadle’s vision for the Azalea Garden was completed, creating the stunning landscape that we know and enjoy today. Learn about this important figure in Biltmore’s history and his lasting contributions to our renowned garden landscapes. Sylvester Owens. Photo courtesy of Eugenia (Gena) McCleary. Sylvester Owens at Biltmore Owens was born in Rutherford County, NC, in 1897. He received little formal education during his youth and began helping on his family farm at a young age. By his early 20s, he had been married and widowed with two young children, at which time he moved to Asheville to live with his uncle, Jim Owens. He began his employment at Biltmore as a chauffeur and companion to Chauncey Beadle in 1920. His brother Frank was also employed on the estate, performing maintenance and supplying firewood to Biltmore House. Sylvester Owens tagging an azalea at Biltmore, photographed by Elliot Lyman Fisher for Ebony magazine, August 1951. The Azalea Hunters Under Beadle’s mentorship, Sylvester Owens progressed to become an assistant gardener and one of the so-called “Azalea Hunters,” traveling around the Southeast with Beadle and several others collecting unique specimens of azalea plants. According to a 1997 oral history conducted with Owens’ daughter Mabel Owens Hoskins and widow Franklyn Owens, he grew to have a genuine friendship with Chauncey Beadle. When traveling together to gather azaleas, Beadle would not stay or eat at any place that would not also accommodate Owens due to his race. Excerpt from a newspaper supplement produced by Biltmore featuring Sylvester Owens, April 14, 1968. When Chauncey Beadle died in 1950, Judge Junius Adams, president of The Biltmore Company, asked Sylvester Owens to take over Beadle’s work. Judge Adams stated upon his appointment that “His interest in the garden is sincere. He knows more about the plants, their origins, and their characteristics than anyone around and he is thoroughly familiar with Mr. Beadle’s plan.” Owens’ daughter Mabel later said that: “I believe that he was able to handle Mr. Beadle’s death better because he was able to complete something that they had started together. Otherwise, he probably would have not felt as good about the ending of their relationship because they were very close. As I said, he was not only his chauffeur, but he was his companion too and they were more like friends…the respect that the Beadles had for my father and his family was encouraging, and the kind of thing that makes for a better person.” Sylvester Owens photographed by Elliot Lyman Fisher for Ebony magazine, August 1951. Azalea King Owens was recognized for his work in several newspaper articles as well as in Ebony magazine in 1951 with an article titled “Azalea King.” According to the article, Owens was considered “one of the greatest authorities on azalea culture today.” An article in The Charlotte Observer from July 1950 quotes Owens’ response to his appointment to carry on Beadle’s work: “I plan to make this spot the most beautiful garden in the world…Like Mr. Beadle, I love the plants—all of them—and I can picture the whole valley in bloom when the work is completed. Mr. Beadle was the finest, kindest man I ever knew. I was surprised and happy to be the one to carry on.” Sylvester Owens with William A.V. Cecil in front of Biltmore House, photographed by Toni Frissell in May 1964. In the collection of the Library of Congress. Sylvester Owens’ Legacy Today, the Azalea Garden spans around 15 acres, but Owens’ purview extended beyond its current boundaries. He eventually oversaw many of the landscaping crews on the estate. He would travel with them to exhibit their work in Charlotte, and in 1961 they won the President’s Award from the Southeastern Rhododendron Show, which was a great point of pride for Owens, according to his family. Sylvester Owens retired in 1964 after almost 44 years of service to the estate and after completing Beadle’s plans for the gardens at Biltmore. Owens lived in the Shiloh community until his death in 1989, and some of his descendants remain in the area. He is buried at the Shiloh AME Zion Church Cemetery, and his legacy lives on today through the beauty of Biltmore’s gardens. The Azalea Garden offers a spectacular variety of colors each spring. The Lasting Beauty of Biltmore’s Azalea Garden Beautiful any time of year, the Azalea Garden at Biltmore puts on a spectacular show each spring and is a testament to the lasting impact of this important figure in Biltmore’s history. From the hearty flame azalea native to the Blue Ridge Mountains to some of the most rare varieties in the world, thousands of vivid blooms provide a kaleidoscope of color for you to enjoy when you visit Biltmore Estate. Special thanks to Explore Asheville and the Black Cultural Heritage Trail for collaborating with Biltmore to share these stories throughout historically Black neighborhoods in Asheville.
Before Biltmore Estate: Changing Ownership Posted on January 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm.Written by Heather Angel The 8,000 acres of present-day Biltmore Estate have a rich history of inhabitants dating back millennia. In this two-part blog series, we recognize and share a brief history of some of the many people who have called this land home throughout history. The Alexander Mill, pictured here ca. 1888, was located southwest of Biltmore House. Members of the Alexander family were early settlers in this area and sold hundreds of acres of land to George Vanderbilt. Agriculture in the Antebellum Era The State of North Carolina sold the former Cherokee Nation land included within its boundaries through land grants to white landowners in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Though these parcels varied in size, agriculture was a primary use of land in the Asheville area, though not on the scale of the larger plantations elsewhere in the Southeast. Censuses show that prior to the Civil War and emancipation in 1865, there were enslaved people working the farms and living among the white landowners on tracts that now comprise Biltmore Estate. Author Wilma A. Dunaway calculated in her book The First American Frontier that in 1860, 41.7% of farmers in the Appalachian counties of North Carolina were using enslaved labor or a combination of enslaved and tenant labor to work their land. That same year, there were a total of 1,933 enslaved people held in all of Buncombe County. This excerpt from an Asheville Weekly Citizen article dated June 25, 1891, shows the public fascination with George Vanderbilt’s acquisition of land. Arrival of George Vanderbilt In May 1888, 23 years after emancipation, George W. Vanderbilt began purchasing land in the Asheville area through agents. By 1895, he had acquired many parcels totaling around 100,000 acres, which caused quite a buzz in the local community. The landowners that he purchased from included both white and free Black property owners, both of whom by this date had deep roots, if not comparable land ownership histories, in the community. The future site of Biltmore House is pictured here ca. 1889 after it and the surrounding area was acquired from Boston Jenkins and others. New Shiloh Much of the land that makes up the Biltmore House site and nearby areas to the east was previously owned by members of Shiloh. The community of Shiloh consisted of around 28 African-American landowners, with a total population of more than 100 individuals by 1888. Reverend Boston A. Jenkins, one of the trustees of the Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church, was the former owner of what is today the location of Biltmore House and the adjacent Stable Complex. The prices paid for most of the Shiloh tracts averaged around $37 per acre, which was more than the fair market value at the time. Prices paid by Vanderbilt ranged from a few cents per acre to $1,000 for the one-acre parcel that included the Shiloh Church. Biltmore Estate acquired a tract of land on which an upgraded church building was relocated and subsequently transferred ownership to Shiloh residents. The surrounding community then became known as “New Shiloh.” Archival Guide Map of Biltmore Estate, ca. 1896 Remembering Biltmore’s Residents While many people are familiar with the lives of George and Edith Vanderbilt, it is vital to Biltmore’s cultural history to acknowledge the many individuals who came before the Vanderbilts and who lived and worked on this land since their arrival, including thousands of tenants and employees. While there are many oral histories in Biltmore’s archives that speak to the experience of growing up on these grounds in the 20th century, the stories of most of those who came before have unfortunately been lost to time. In lieu of more detailed or personal accounts of individuals and communities who once lived on this land, it is essential that we acknowledge their existence as a way to honor and remember their lives and legacies. Through environmental stewardship practices, land conservation efforts, and collaborative research projects, Biltmore remains dedicated to being good stewards of this storied land that has been home to so many, including Native Americans, the Shiloh community, and all descendants of the people who came before us. Further Reading For information on Native Americans who once called this land their home, read part one of this blog series, “Before Biltmore Estate: Early Inhabitants.” Additional resources on this topic: Life Beneath The Veneer: The Black Community in Asheville, North Carolina from 1793 to 1900, dissertation by Darin Waters, Ph.D., North Carolina Deputy Secretary for Office of Archives and History Interview with Dr. Darin Waters, “Beneath The Veneer: Did the construction for Biltmore Estate relocate a Black Community?” Shiloh Community Association’s History of Shiloh