One of the studios at Saint-Gaudens
Although my website is primarily about SoCal nurseries and plants, sometimes I must digress.….
I had never heard of Augustus Saint-Gaudens until my trip to New Hampshire last week to see his studios and gardens in the upper Connecticut River valley. A sculptor who created heroic public monuments, expressive portraits, he changed the look of American coinage with his gold coin designs. He lived on the estate (now a national park) I visited in his later years, from 1885 to 1907. During that time he transformed the grounds with sculpture gardens, panoramic vistas and sunlit studios.
The afternoon I was there was magical — there was a lovely summer rainstorm brewing and as we stood on the porch waiting for a tour of the house it started to pour. The interior of the house is charismatic and ghostly at the same time. It feels like the family just walked out the front door. I don’t know if my photos can convey the artwork and gardens you see there, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are ever nearby.
Saint-Gaudens romantic vista
