Collection Previews

A GLIMPSE OF BELLEHAVRE COLLECTIONS

The 10 rooms of BelleHavre are decorated with 19th century furniture, artifacts and collections that would have been used or seen during the period. The home environment recreates the rich life of a southern planter and a historical view of the War Between the States. Our tours provide detailed historical views of art and lifestyles between 1840 and 1920 and the experience transforms you to that time. One must marvel at the period art and beautiful and elaborate decorations while pondering the lack of modern conveniences and the devastation of the War. We are pleased to share some of BelleHavre's collections on this internet page. Each month we will feature a new artifact complete with an historical comment.



THE CRUCIFIXTION

Artist: Giuseppe Armani, Florence Italy

BelleHavre is an avid collector of the artwork of Giuseppe Armani and we have previously showcased his work with the Aurora Masterpiece. This month's entry is to honor this lifetime work and celebrate Easter.  We are sad to announce that Giuseppe Armani passed away on October 28, 2006. He will live through the works of art he created. BelleHavre displays over 30 Armani sculptures. Although they are not antiques, his sculptures remain timeless and display an incredible mastery of body sculpturing.

LOVER'S FIREPLACE SCREEN

Name:   Hand Painted Fireplace Screen

The artist of this beautiful hand painted firescreen is unknown. The painting of this loving couple is typical of the 19th century era. Notice the boy in the corner peaking over to capture a glimpse of the lovers. This screen is displayed in front of the fireplace in the Library/ Music room.   This fireplace is one of nine in the house, seven of which are adorn by the original mantels.

PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION

1865 Print of Proclamation of Emancipation

This authentic 1865 print of the Proclamation of Emancipation hangs promintently in the library where other artifacts of the era are displayed. These prints were passed out in the streets, similar to flyers of today, to announce the freedom of the slaves. The artwork on this proclamation is stunning. We are proud to present this item as part of Black History month and also announce that we will be available to give historical tours to schools as students learn about the Civil War.

CHINA PAINTING

Artist: D. Maria/Limoge Hand Painted

China painting was an art form in the 19th century. This beautiful pansy painting on china was painted and signed by D. Maria on Limoge Porcelain. The colorful pansies stand out in the blending blue and purple background. The plate has been hand trimmed in gold. BelleHavre collects the great china paintings of Limoge, Rosenthal and Nippon.

THE VATICAN NATIVITY

Artist: Franklin Mint,
Authorized by the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Nativity Porcelain Sculpture Collection is the first-ever collection of its kind officially authorized by the Vatican Museums and produced by The Franklin Mint. The certified, limited edition collection is crafted in fine bisque porcelain and intricately hand-painted in jewel-like colors with radiant accents of 24 karat gold.

THE HAUGHTON-MCIVER HOUSE MODEL

Artist: Martha Jourdan

This scale model of the Haughton-McIver House is a tribute to the historical land-mark. The detailed and extraordinary likeness model of the home was artistically crafted by artist Martha Jourdan of Siler City, NC. As a hobby, Martha en-joyed making model homes of old and commanding structures but her work clearly depicts a mastery of this art form. Martha became interested in creating models after she completed her first dollhouse kit given to her by friend, mentor and woodworker Bill Wall. She has also created a model of the Meroney United Methodist Church in Bear Creek, the Cad Bray House and the Wren House in Siler City. The model took over a thousand hours of Martha’s time to create as she systematically developed the striking likeness. It needed 26 tiny columns so Bill Wall assisted in making a prototype and Mott Blair, a dentist, made a mold for the columns. The house is made of balsa and bass wood easily obtainable at hoppy shops, light weight, but strong.

MASONIC 1860 SWORD

Artist: Ames Mfg. Company
1860 Knight Templar Silver Sword

Phenomenally preserved circa 1860 historical knight templar’s silver sword made by legendary Ames Mfg. Company, the most acclaimed maker of swords in American history. The Ames Mfg Company, founded by mason Nathan Peabody, later became known as the Ames Sword Company, renowned maker of Civil War and military swords as well as Masonic and fraternal swords and regalia. Close to the Masonic heart, the sword prominently features the eternal symbols of square and compass of freemasonry. The design of this sword plays a very significant role in the history of the arts of Freemasonry from its medieval knight’s head pommel to its fanciful yet strong engravings all along the scabbard surface. The sleek black grip is solid natural wood with a large ornately stylized silver and red passion cross at its center. The sword is adorned with a lovely double-strand silver chain. This is one of the rare templar swords that pre-dates the custom where artists signed the blade, nor does it have a commandery name.

During the Civil War period, many officers and soldiers were active Freemasons and Templarism was a very sought after rank within the York Rite. Although Freemasonry and Templarism were the personal passion of many a fighting man on both sides of the conflict, they never, ever brought their Masonic or fraternal swords with them into the military. The often believed piece of naïveté where Soldiers who were Masons took their Masonic swords with them into battle is not historically correct. While the men went into battle, the ritual swords remained safely at home, at the Lodge or in the Commandery. The study of the Brotherhood of Freemasonry existing on both the Confederate and Northern sides presents a very significant socio-cultural portrait of the period. This Sword by Ames is one of the finest artistic survivors from those intriguing years.

LACE PORCELAIN ART

Artist: The Chess Players, Dresden, Germany
Date: Circa 1890-1900

This porcelain art form has been lost since the bombing of Dresden, Germany in World War II which was considered the art capital of the World. Real lace was dipped in porcelain and fired. Then these delicate pieces were painted and flowers usually applied. Today, few pieces remain in good condition as the lace could not withstand the test of time. BelleHavre's collection of Dresden consists of many rare large figurines in exceptional condition.