Hearst Castle Inspiration pt. 1

Last week was Grand Parlor, which took place in San Luis Obispo. Wednesday of the week was ‘Playday’. I signed up for a tour of Hearst Castle and DH went off to nap, play Pidro and whatever.

Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle

I had been to Hearst Castle before, twice, I think, but it had been many years. I remembered a lot, but I am more into details now.

The place is full of inspiration. Unbelievable art in all forms wherever you look and cannot be escaped. A lot of it is not really my style, but *I* don’t  have to live there. 😉 Regardless, it is amazing collection of art, which is probably the understatement of the century.

Mary with infant Jesus
Mary with infant Jesus

I always thought that William Randolph Hearst went to Europe and just bought up everything in sight. This time, the tour guide said that he bought everything out of art catalogs that were sent to him from New York. Who knows what is true?

One of the oldest pieces at the estate is a statue of Mary and an infant Jesus. It is outside the main front door. There is something about it that I really liked. The Baroque or Gothic look to the overall section is a bit much for me. Still without the trimmings, I like the Mary and Infant Jesus statue.

Balustrade
Balustrade

One of the things I like about architecture is the inspiration it provides to quiltmaking. The balustrade (a railing supported by balusters, especially an ornamental parapet on a balcony, bridge, or terrace) has a complex design, but it can also be used as inspiration for a quilting design. Imagine this – or a version of this – as a quilting design in a large open space.

Cottage Bas Relief
Cottage Bas Relief

I really like the detail of the area below the roofline of the cottage. I know that this is a multi-millionaire’s guest accommodations, but why can’t modern housing and infrastructure type buildings have any detail like this? I think it would make the surroundings in cities much more interesting and easier to live in.

It was a great trip and there is so much more to show you. Better though, would be for you to go and visit the Castle yourself.

Author: Jaye

Quiltmaker who enjoys writing and frozen chocolate covered bananas.