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

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.