From the town’s beginnings in the early 18th century, work depicting the people and landscapes of Wilton have reflected the ever-changing artistic tides of subject matter, materials and styles of the next three centuries.
The new exhibition, Lives and Landscapes: Art from the Permanent Collection of the Wilton Historical Society, opening on June 10, explores highlights of the art collection from the colonial era to the 1970s. Throughout that time, Wilton has served as inspiration for a wide variety of creators. Whether simply passing through or ensconced as a long-time resident, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression or fulfilling commercial contracts, Wilton’s artists produced a diverse body of work. The exhibition runs through October 29.
Members of Wilton’s colonial first families, such as the Lamberts, Beldens, and Grummans, commissioned portraits to help display their wealth and power. The two works on display by itinerant painter Ralph Earl were prized – Earl’s patron’s included founding father Roger Sherman – as were the portraits produced by Gilbert Stuart Newton, nephew of the renowned Gilbert Stuart. Gilbert Stuart is best known for his iconic images of George Washington.
Town landmarks, such as the 1790 Wilton Congregational Church painted in an impressionistic style “en plein air” by Robert Emmett Owen and the 1726 Lambert House by H.G. Thompson, are beautifully depicted. Other artists represented in the exhibition include Richard Daggy, sculptor A. Phimister Proctor, and Hillary Longmuir.
Lives and Landscapes explores Wilton’s artistic legacy through a selection of rarely seen work from Wilton Historical’s permanent collection. These works capture something of the personality of the town through the faces and places depicted. They tell the stories of not only the subject matter of the piece, but the story of a town.
Wilton Historical Members: Free; Non-members $10
Wilton Historical Society 224 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 www.wiltonhistorical.org 203-762-7257