Gumbo was visiting the fascinating Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, located in Winter Park (just north of downtown Orlando). Congratulations to George G, the only one who recognized where Gumbo was.
PHeymont has written a beautifully illustrated and detailed blog on the Morse Museum, which I highly recommend you read at this link. I visited the museum for the first time a few months ago and was very impressed with its wonderful collection of all things Tiffany — the most extensive anywhere! I thought the museum would make a good WITW puzzle. I have no desire to repeat Paul’s prose but wanted to add a few observations of my own.
My wife and I have been fans of Tiffany glass for many years. The opportunity to see firsthand hundreds of beautiful works in the Morse collection was the highlight of our last visit to Florida. Here are examples of some of the lovely windows crafted by Tiffany:
Among the displays are a number illustrating the history of the Tiffany company and how they crafted such unique pieces. While Mr. Tiffany was the driving force behind this enterprise, there were dozens of hard-working people who made his dreams a reality.
Besides glass, the Tiffany company also created some terrific works of fine art, including the following examples:
Tiffany is best known for his lamps, and the collection of lights is awesome! These photos represent just a small part of the collection!
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of our visit was seeing the displays around “The Chapel”. Many of these items were created by Tiffany for the 1893 Chicago World Fair. While not a formal place of worship, its craftsmanship will amaze.
(Madonna and Child, by Louis Comfort Tiffany)
Tiffany created this chapel interior for the Chicago World Fair, which was exceptionally well received and grew Tiffany’s reputation by leaps and bounds. The Chapel was dismantled and changed hands a number of times before Tiffany reacquired it and added it to his Laurelton Hall home. The McClean’s, whose collection is featured in the museum, acquired it some 20 years after Tiffany’s death and reassembled it here in Orlando.
(A cross-shaped lamp hangs overhead)
(The Altar)
Below are some of the stained glass windows from the chapel —
Another important highlight of the collection are salvaged rooms from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s estate, Laurelton Hall, which was located on Long Island about 30 miles from New York City. The estate was impressive, with 600 acres and an 84 room mansion.
The estate was severely damaged by fire, but some of its rooms have been rescued and restaged in the museum. These include Daffodil Terrace, adjoining the dining room, with glass cast daffodils atop weight bearing columns.
Other rooms include the Dining Room…
Tiffany’s unusual fireplace hood…
Fountains and displays of crafted glass….
And an interesting living room….
And a sitting room….
There’s a lot more to the museum than Tiffany, but the Tiffany glass is absolutely amazing! Well worth the price admission and your time.
Thanks for the kind words! And thanks also for the detailed walk-through of the beautiful Laurelton rooms. I always tell friends that this museum is a great re-entry into the adult world after Disney!