News
A Southwestern Sanctuary
November 19, 2014
The famous miniature Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago range from historical replicas influenced by patron and artist Narcissa Thorne’s travels abroad to striking reproductions of regional American home décor. These special rooms have been viewed, studied and enjoyed by generations (and even inspired a series of juvenile fiction books!).
The inspiration for one of our favorite works in the collection originates far from Thorne’s home in the Windy City. New Mexico Dining Room, c. 1940 includes small touches of both Pueblo Indian and Southwest American life, a style known as Pueblo Revival. Thorne’s eye for detail is not only apparent in the objects she chose to incorporate in the room setting, but also in the room construction itself. The kiva in the right corner of the room appears well-used with charring around its opening. Colorful hand-loomed rugs, festively painted chairs, tiny retablos and intricately carved furniture all speak to the regional flavor that attracted many artists during New Mexico state’s early years.
Photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne. A34: New Mexico Dining Room, c.1940. c.1940. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne.
I recently visited the T/m Museum in Kansas City, KS in June 2021. Ironically, I had also started reading THE SIXTY EIGHT ROOMS by Marianne Malone just the week prior. My husband and I like taking road trips and usually always look up the variety of museums in the places we visit. Imagine my surprise of finding this museum and its connections to my (then) current read. I am an elementary librarian which heightened my excitement even more!
I recently visited the T/m Museum in Kansas City, MO in June 2021. Ironically, I had also started reading THE SIXTY EIGHT ROOMS by Marianne Malone just the week prior. My husband and I like taking road trips and usually always look up the variety of museums in the places we visit. Imagine my surprise of finding this museum and its connections to my (then) current read. I am an elementary librarian which heightened my excitement even more!