Chesterwood
Daniel Chester French in his Studio
During his long career, French created hundreds of works of art including the Minute Man and the statue for the Lincoln Memorial. Learn More
Chesterwood, a National Trust Historic Site
In 1896, sculptor Daniel Chester French established a second studio in the Berkshires, calling it "Chesterwood". He and his family lived here seasonally for more than three decades. Learn More
An Extraordinary Collection
Chesterwood preserves the largest collection of art devoted to an individual sculptor in America. Learn More
An Artist's Home and Studio
Designed by the architect Henry Bacon, the Home and Studio are both thoroughly modern and eclectic, with elements of old New England and of Italy. Learn More
An American Masterpiece
The National Gallery of Art explores the history and design of Daniel Chester French's Lincoln beginning February 12, 2009. Learn More
A Place of Inspiration
Chesterwood – the studio, house, grounds and collections – inspires a fresh awareness of sculpture and public art, both past and present. Learn More
Honoring Women: Chesterwood
The studio was a gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Daniel Chester French Foundation, formed by French’s daughter, Margaret French Cresson.
During his long career, Daniel Chester French created hundreds of works of art. Some of his public sculpture, like The Minute Man in Concord, Massachusetts and the statue for The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., are among the nation’s most treasured icons. Drawing on myth and history, French and his fellow artists enlivened the cities and towns of America with the symbols of their age. Working with architects, landscape planners and craftsmen from the 1870s into the 1920s, they embodied in stone and bronze the exuberance and confidence of the nation, and they fostered a shared vision for the future.
Chesterwood is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Chesterwood: French's Summer Home and Studio
By 1896, French was so successful that in addition to a large studio in New York City, he was able to purchase a country place and establish a second studio in the Berkshires. The old farm’s convenient location between Boston and New York allowed the sculptor to maintain contacts in both cities. He and his family lived here in Stockbridge from May through October for more than three decades. French was initially attracted by the beauty of the Housatonic River Valley, and the view of Monument Mountain in particular became a primary focus for the layout and design of Chesterwood. In 1900, the Frenches moved into a new house designed by the architect Henry Bacon. Bacon’s stucco “villa” was both thoroughly modern and eclectic, with elements of old New England and of Italy. Bacon also designed the spectacular studio. A talented landscape designer, French transformed the agrarian landscape to suit his social, professional and utilitarian purposes, installing plantings, garden walks, and a tennis court. While Chesterwood became a “gentleman’s estate,” French maintained the productive farmland and took an active part in its cultivation.
Preservation History
When the sculptor died in 1931, his daughter Margaret French Cresson inherited the property, and it was she who gave the site to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As you explore Chesterwood—the studio, house, grounds and collections—we hope it inspires a fresh awareness of the sculpture and public art in your community, and of the importance of preserving this rich heritage for future generations.
Exhibit at the National Gallery of Art
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary celebration of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the National Gallery of Art will present a focus exhibition, Designing the Lincoln Memorial: Daniel Chester French and Henry Bacon, starting February 12, 2009 for one year. The installation features the six-foot high plaster final model of the most renowned Lincoln statue by American sculptor Daniel Chester French, as designed for the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, and the original wood model of the Lincoln Memorial by renowned American architect Henry Bacon. The works will be accompanied by a life-size photomural of the actual Lincoln sculpture, an enlargement of an architectural elevation drawing by Bacon, and informative, illustrated text panels addressing the making of the statue and the Memorial, the careers of French and Bacon, and the role the Lincoln Memorial has played in American life. Nearby, Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the American paintings galleries are returning to public view after nearly two years of renovations. Learn more »
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Regional Events
A Fairy Tale Holiday,
12/05/09
Tarrytown,
New York
A unique opportunity to visit the mansion at night and enjoy Lyndhurst in its full winter fairy tale beauty.
Holiday Dinners,
12/05/09
Tarrytown,
New York
The Carriage House Restaurant and Fabulous Foods present a sumptuous four course prix fixe dinner served in the carriage house at Lyndhurst.
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