Architectural Watercolours at Halcyon House Antiques

Two things: You might know that I am the board chair at the Baltimore Architecture Foundation and one of the things I adore is old architectural drawings and watercolours, and even blueprints. I also love Halcyon House Antiques and would cheerfully move into the shop if I could! So when Halcyon House Antiques and its stylish owners, Stiles and Jonathan, told me that they were hosting a show and sale of architectural watercolours, I suggested that Halcyon and the Architecture Foundation partner up on the project. So we did!

The opening reception took place on Tuesday and the show will be hanging for another month or so. The shop is filled with the most beautiful architectural watercolours, drawings and models, as well as some significant pieces of furniture, brought in specially for the show.

Most of the watercolours were done in the 1800 and 1900’s and are drawings washed with colours. Most subjects are classical studies.

Some of the special pieces included this beautiful inlaid piece by David Linley, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, whose work is collected all over the world.

Another piece, although not an architectural study, was this beautiful drawing room from the 1930’s, painted by Cecil Beaton.

One of the pieces I loved was this wood and glass lantern.

And this fabulous chair with the forced perspective of the trees,

which reminded me of the allée of trees elsewhere on the property.

And how about this chair? Can you say leopard!

Some of the architectural models included this pavilion,

and this bridge.

And in the center of the hors d’oeuvres was an birdcage, complete with a porch.

In addition to the framed prints, there was also a selection of unframed prints of various subjects, including this elevation and plan of the Maryland Institute College of Art.

One of the highlights of the events was a brief talk given by the eminent architect, and founder of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, Walter Schamu, FAIA. He spoke on the training given to architecture students in the past at places like the Universities of Virginia and Pennsylvania and of course, Yale. Walter lamented that there wouldn’t be drawings like these of contemporary buildings that people would look back and admire in 100 years because everything’s done on the computer.

If you’re interested in the Architectural Watercolours Show, or anything you see here, please contact Eric at Halcyon House Antiques.