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Daniel Chester French's Chesterwood | |
| The Berkshire estate of renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French features his studio and a gallery of his work. | ||
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by Tom Brosnahan |
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Just a few miles west of Stockbridge along MA Route 102 (map) is Chesterwood, the former summer estate of famed sculptor Daniel Chester French. French's monumental works include the Seated Lincoln in Washington DC's Lincoln Memorial, and The Minute Man at Concord North Bridge. French (1850-1931) summered here from 1897 until 1931 and used the studio (built in 1898) near the house for his work. You can visit both the mansion and studio as well as an 1800s barn which has been converted to a gallery featuring exhibits on French's life and work. Chesterwood is open daily from May through October, 10 am to 5 pm. A lovely country gentleman's garden, a woodland walk laid out by French himself, a panoramic view of Monument Mountain, and a museum store are unexpected extras to a Chesterwood visit. Admission fees go toward the upkeep of the property, which is maintained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Daniel Chester French's grave is in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord MA. More... Chesterwood
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The north façade of
the studio at Chesterwood in Stockbridge MA, still holding works in progress by sculptor Daniel
Chester French.
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