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French drawing room at Hillwood

Events

Enjoy enriching and educational programming year-round.

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Study Day - Classic Chic: Interior Design for Living Artfully

Hillwood's distinct blend of lavish French interiors with mid-century modern amenities made it one of Washington’s most memorable homes when Marjorie Post lived and entertained here in the 1950s and 60s. Inspired by the special exhibition, Living Artfully, which explores Marjorie’s perfectly coordinated way of living, this special day-long study of French-inspired design includes presentations by Hillwood curators Liana Paredes and Estella Chung, esteemed New York designer Michael Simon— whose philosophy so perfectly fits with Marjorie Post’s imprint at Hillwood—and James Archer Abbott from Evergreen Museum and Library

Program Schedule

10:30am

Introduction and overview of the day’s program by executive director Kate Markert and Estella Chung, curator of Living Artfully: At Home with Marjorie Merriweather Post

10:45am

Liana Paredes, Hillwood’s chief curator, will discuss how Marjorie Post’s commitment to her own vision for interior design was brought to life at Hillwood through the work of antique and design firms French & Co. and McMillen Inc.

11:30am

James Archer Abbott from Evergreen Museum and Library in Baltimore will highlight the work of another 20th-century design icon, Maison Jansen.

12:15pm

Lunch Break: Participants may bring a brown-bag lunch or pre-order lunch from the café.

1:30-2:15pm 

Enjoy the opportunity to look closely at the Hillwood Mansion spaces with design experts. Today’s speakers will be on-station in the Mansion to highlight design elements and answer questions.

2:15pm

Renowned New York designer Michael Simon will discuss how he employs classical design with modern twists.

3pm

Living Artfully curator Estella Chung will moderate a round-table discussion with today’s speakers about mid-century design classics and contemporary applications. 

3:45pm

James Archer Abbott (JANSEN), Estella Chung (Living Artfully: At Home with Marjorie Merriweather Post), and Liana Paredes (Paris on the Potomac: The French Influence on the Architecture and Art of Washington, DC) will be available to sign copies of their publications, which may be purchased at the Museum Shop.

Lunch Details

Participants are welcome to bring their own brown-bag lunch or to pre-order from the Hillwood Café.  Lunch is $20 and includes a sandwich (choice of ham, turkey or veggie), salad, cookie and drink. Lunch orders can be placed when you call to make your reservations for the program.  Orders are due no later than noon on Friday, September 13. Please call 202.686.5807.