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Tasha Tudor and her artwork
Photo by Richard Brown |
While many of us dream of a romantic life, filled with enchantment and whimsy, few of us have can say we have lived engulfed in such magic. Tucked away in a rustic cottage in Vermont, one woman can attest to this very thing, while influencing generations toward this way of life, to boot.
Tasha Tudor has, for years, been her own woman, living in otherworldly splendor. If you are one of the few uninitiated, your are certainly in for a treat, for Ms. Tudor is certainly a "farmgirl" at heart, but her farm recreates a world of yesteryear, where homespun living is lived more authentically than anyone would dare.
Further, Ms. Tudor has perfected a life filled with creativity and art; her career as a well-known illustrator and story-teller can be retold by countless children and children-at-heart who have made her stories beloved classics. Her best known books include "Pumpkin Moonshine" and "Corgiville Fair," which feature her favorite breed of dog, Corgis. Her illustrations follow classic art design and exquisite watercolor and pen techniques, but the illustrations, themselves, are never simple. From this work, she was able to construct the farm of her dreams and this included living a life particularly focused on the Romantic and Victorian Era.
Indeed, her son, Seth, built her house using only hand tools, and the garden and barn call to mind a much older, rustic era. Her garden prowess and knowledge abound everywhere, in each "old fashioned" bloom, vine, and tree. She keeps goats, from which she uses the milk and also produces fresh cream. She has fantailed doves, and keeps a managerie of exotic birds in ornate cages in her home. She wears old fashioned frocks, dresses, and bonnets. She uses no electricity but prefers old fashioned kerosene lamps at night. She uses only the technology of the 1800's to wash clothes, make food, and garden. She makes her own dolls, puppets, embroidery, and much more. She is, in fact, possibly the only notable embodiment of old fashioned living--literally! And it is this remarkable spirit, dedication, and creativity, that have inspired countless admirers and fans.
To this end, Ms. Tudor's family have taken up the mantle to highlight, and continue her work. At 92, she is a grandmother, and a continuing bastion of "living your own dreams." In order to highlight the unique life, work, and beauty that Ms. Tudor began, her children and grandchildren have now begun the Tasha Tudor Museum. In it's infancy, the museum has attracted interest from many well-wishers, but there is much work still to be done. The Tudor family is looking for a permanent location, and funding, to create this special place.
Tasha's grandson,Winston and grand daughter-in-law, Amy, have been so kind as to illustrate the life of Tasha, as well as describe their new project:
About Tasha Tudor (via Winslow Tudor, Tasha's grandson)
When did Tasha Tudor begin her career in illustration, and why?
Tasha began her career as an illustrator when she was twenty-three, publishing her first book “Pumpkin Moonshine.” She sketched and painted as a young child, however, for her mother was an accomplished artist, and did much to teach and encourage her. Tasha was also influenced by The Vicar of Wakefield, with illustrations by Hugh Thompson, and has often said it is because of her impression of this book she decided to become an artist.
Is there any particular drawing/book that she is fond of? She obviously likes drawing Corgis, but she has some beautiful border drawings, amongst other things.
Of the many paintings Tasha has created, she is truly pleased with only a few. One is called Laura in the Snow, the other Madonna by Moonlight, while a third is a charcoal sketch done of her elder son, Seth. Tasha is very fond of corgis. Some years ago she created a pastel of Benjamin Franklin, a corgi pup her dogs Owyn and Rebecca had. That is one of her other favorites. (Tasha's artwork, from "Corgiville Fair," above, courtesy Tasha Tudor and Family).
Is there any particular reason in her fascination with the Victorian era? Of her many period costumes, is there a favorite?
The lifestyle and historical uniqueness of the Victorian era, or the 1830’s, encompass many beliefs and interests Tasha naturally possesses. The way people spoke, dressed, and treated one another all appeal to her, as does the quiet and genuine pace of life of those years. She has had a few favorite costumes through the years, but prefers the print dresses she has made many over the years.
What is Mrs. Tudor's next project?
Tasha has many projects on her mind. She is already preparing for a big Christmas celebration, is sketching portraits in charcoal, and is thinking about painting some greeting cards. She has spoken of another book as well, but said that since it wasn’t done, she wasn’t going to talk about it just yet.
Though I suppose there is no "average day" in her life, would Mrs. Tudor be willing to give insight into a day in her
Tasha Tudor and one of her favorite
Corgis, Megan
enjoy her 92nd birthday party at her home.
Photo courtesy Tasha Tudor and Family |
life, and what sort of events might occur in that day?
During any one day of Tasha’s life, she might bake, draw, visit with company, or spend time by herself. She often lives in the moment, and enjoys the peaceful, productive life she lives as a consequence. Parts of the day are in fact routine, but pleasantly so. The indoor birds need to be fed and cleaned, the dogs walked, greenhouse tended to, and there are always letters to write.
Is there any sort of wisdom Mrs. Tudor wishes to impart to her fans?
She generally is not inclined to offer advice or insight directly, but through her lifestyle and art, clearly assigns importance to family, hard work and being grateful for the time she has in a world that, despite its problems, is beautiful and well worth living in. She does not worry much about trouble, and references Mark Twain when he said he spent much of his life worrying about things that never came to pass.
About the Tasha Tudor Museum (from Museum Founder, Amy Tudor):
Please describe the Tasha Tudor Museum:
The Tasha Tudor Museum is a new 501(c)3 organization created to accomplish the following three things:
- To reunite and preserve Tasha Tudor's original art, ephemera, printed works, textiles and other objects that Mrs. Tudor has owned or created and display them in an appropriate and welcoming public setting.
- To become the scholarly authority for research on Tasha Tudor's life and art.
- To become a living history center promoting American and especially New England traditional values as demonstrated in Tasha Tudor's arts and lifestyle.
What items will be ‘displayed’ at the museum? What other features will be available to the public?
The Museum will display the original art, antiques, photographs of Tasha Tudor which will change with each exhibition theme. In the early years, these items will be loaned from various private collectors. Over the years, as the Museum receives tangible donations and accessions its Tasha Tudor collection, we’ll be able to create exhibitions from the Museum collection.
 I’ve never been a fan of the typical museum in which artwork is simply hung on the wall with the little explanatory card tucked beside it. Visitors seem to spend more time reading about the materials used than truly experiencing the finished piece. The Tasha Tudor Museum will bring art to the public, certainly, but will invite visitors into Tasha Tudor’s lifestyle in a more intimate way. Don’t expect white walls with well-lit art. That’s not Tasha Tudor’s style. The Museum will surround you with the sense of coming home, one of the major draws of her entire career. Take a look through any of Tasha’s 100 or so books. The feeling that comes over you when reading her work is the same feeling you’ll experience at the Museum. For example, visitors will be able to be married (or renew their vows) in the Stillwater Church, have a Birthday Party in which we’ll float your cake to the celebration and stay overnight in the Tasha Tudor Inn. Did I mention the Tasha Tudor tea house?
(Tasha's art courtesy Tasha Tudor and Family)
In addition to founding the Museum, I bring my passion for creating spaces that have a strong sense of place. I feel my role in this organization was best described by Edith Wharton who said “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.”
When is the planned opening of the museum? How can people help this project along?
Ideally we’d be open by 2009 or 2010. The Museum is in very preliminary discussions with the owners of a local, historic Bed and Breakfast which is perfectly suited to become the Tasha Tudor Museum. Should they remain interested in selling, the Museum would open as soon as we can raise the estimated $800,000 to purchase it, and the estimated $500,000 for renovations. Unfortunately, this beautiful building needs some expensive structural work, including a new foundation.
Like any non-profit, what the Museum needs from the general pubic is energy. Every creation needs some form of energy, whether electricity to bake cookies, sun to grow food or spirituality to make art. We already have about 15 active volunteers and 10 more waiting in the wings. Money is actually a form of energy too. I’ll be posting more specific volunteer opportunities on the museum website shortly.
What are the difficulties you face, at the moment, with the creation of the museum? What are the long term plans for the museum?
A few of Tasha Tudor's Handmade dolls and accessories for her dollhouse.
Photo by Richard Brown |
One difficulty is disappointing the people who are planning their 2008 summer vacations and keep asking for directions to the Museum. More seriously, the difficulty is turning the overwhelming excitement for the Museum into large financial donations, given my lack of experience in fundraising. Two Museum volunteers are currently researching grants and I intend to hire a professional fundraiser as soon as the Museum is able to. I’ve always believed that “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Another volunteer, a professional non-profit fund manager from Washington D.C., advised that we start a Charter Membership. We immediately introduced this program in late December of 2007. Everyone who makes a financial donation to the museum before December 31, 2009, no matter how small the amount, automatically becomes a Charter Member. The names of these very important Members will be permanently displayed in the Museum. Our most sincere thanks goes out to these visionary supporters who have donated $22,285 since December 4th, 2007.
Once the Museum has accomplished the current ten-year-plan (five years of which are online), we’ll be inspiring national and international visitors to achieve their best life, by showing them through Tasha Tudor’s example. We’ll continue to educate visitors about early American life and how that lifestyle remains relevant in today’s hectic world.
To see more information, or make a donation towards the Tasha Tudor museum, please see: www.tashatudormuseum.org
To learn more about Tasha Tudor's Family and their winsome art, please see: www.tashatudorandfamily.com
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