Thomas Jayne is blogging for Interior Design magazine and one of his posts contains a couple of pictures of Albert Hadley’s sitting room, which appears as the last project in the book. Like a spoonful of shaved ice at the end of a meal, it leaves one with a refreshing feeling of satisfaction – a sense that talent and restraint can be as significant as budget.
Jayne has received a lot of positive feedback on the inclusion of this room and it is endearing to note that Hadley did not think the room should be a part of the project. “I asked him,” recalls Jayne, “and he said he did not think it was worthy. I asked if we could shoot it anyway, then he could look at the pictures and decide. When I showed him the proofs he relented, but he still didn’t think it should be included.”
I don't get the "spoonful of shaved ice at the end of a meal"!
Is that mid-western? Or what?
thanks!
Penelope
H! I forgot to say; I am so, so glad it WAS included!!
Penelope
It's one of my personal favorites.
So glad it's included – it's brilliant!
Penny – not midwestern – you know, like a sorbet.
Perhaps it's the photographs, but it certainly does not look like a comfortable room to sit in. The armless sofa and the straight chairs are not the least inviting. What makes this room worth? I think Hadley asked a wise question.
Really wonderful Patricia!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Mr. Hadley wasn't being modest; he was being realistic. Even if it inspires affection for the man, this is not his finest room.
Anons – so sorry about the delayed posting; I am in and out of meetings all day. While I am neither designer nor design historian I will check back in shortly to give you Jayne's explanation.
Thanks Mrs. B. I have enjoyed these postings on Jayne's book and hope to find it under my Christmas tree.
A personal favorite and a cover I saved of Elle Décor for years! I can't wait to get a copy of Jayne's book.
When I was in Jayne's office he showed me a slide from his presentation that pictured Hadley's sitting room side-by-side with Jefferson's Tea Room, also pictured here. The similarities in the symmetry, balance and scale were notable. Personally, I appreciate that this room is so personal; Hadley has gathered many of his favorite things here. Also, the use of the canvas is so simple and provides a great deal of structure. OK, that's me, midwestern house wife. Here is Jayne:
"Hadley's sitting room encapsulates the notion that refinement is not about size. In fact, the success of Hadley's room is created by its intimacy as well as by the plays of patterns and voids that come together in a complete and artistic picture." Further, "What makes the room fine? it is the sum of parts,whether elaborate or simple, novel or well-known, that in the end, as Hadley so remarkably demonstrates, is the tangible genius of the maker."