Last month, I returned to the Oak Spring Garden Foundation for a week of intensive studio work and research time in the library. I worked in the “Airport Studio” which once served the Mellons’ private airstrip. It was an inspiring atmosphere, to say the least!
During this visit, I focused exclusively on creating prototype models for a doorknocker inspired by Oak Spring. This process involved numerous variations of topiary designs, iconic elements associated with Mrs. Mellon and featured on the library’s bookplate. While researching in the library, I had the incredible opportunity to view rare, historical books, including several 18th-century works by Maria Sybilla Merian and a 15th-century printing of The Hortus Sanitatis—“The Garden of Health”—an early herbal encyclopedia detailing medicinal plants, their uses, and methods of preparation.
A particularly unexpected and exciting highlight occurred as I was exploring ideas for my doorknocker design. Thanks to the kind and knowledgeable librarians, who have now become wonderful friends, I was able to view several Giacometti hardware designs created for Mrs. Mellon that are kept in the archive storage (see cool pics below!).
