Wharton Esherick Studio
Encyclopedia
Wharton Esherick Studio, now housing the Wharton Esherick Museum, was the studio of the craftsman-artist Wharton Esherick
(1887–1970), in Malvern, Pennsylvania
. The Studio was built between 1926 and 1966, reflecting Esherick's evolving sculptural style—from Arts and Crafts
, through German Expressionism
, ending with the free form Modernist curves that marked his later work.
There are five structures on the site: his home and studio, the 1956 workshop designed with Louis Kahn
, the 1928 German Expressionist log garage which now serves as the museum visitor center, his woodshed, and the recently reconstructed German Expressionist outhouse.
The buildings, from their structural forms down to the door handles and light pulls, were designed and built by Wharton Esherick to create a complete artistic environment. The Studio is filled with more than 200 of Wharton Esherick's works, including sculpture, furniture and furnishings, paintings and prints.
The Wharton Esherick Museum was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1971, and opened for visitors in 1972. The Museum is open for tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Group tours (minimum of 5 people) can be arranged Monday through Friday, from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. All tours require a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 610-644-5822 during business hours. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12.
The studio was declared a National Historic Landmark
in 1993.
Under the direction of the museum curator, the Wharton Esherick Museum holds an annual Thematic Woodworking Competition and Exhibition as a means to encourage creative thinking, and to encourage the development of new and imaginative designs for items of everyday use.
Wharton Esherick
Wharton Esherick was a sculptor who worked primarily in wood. He reveled in applying the principles of sculpture to common utilitarian objects. Consequently he is best known for his sculptural furniture and furnishings...
(1887–1970), in Malvern, Pennsylvania
Malvern, Pennsylvania
Malvern is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,998 at the 2010 census. The main road through the borough is King Street, although the borough is also bordered by Paoli Pike on the south, and is near US 30 on the north. The primary cross street is Warren...
. The Studio was built between 1926 and 1966, reflecting Esherick's evolving sculptural style—from Arts and Crafts
Arts and Crafts movement
Arts and Crafts was an international design philosophy that originated in England and flourished between 1860 and 1910 , continuing its influence until the 1930s...
, through German Expressionism
German Expressionism
German Expressionism refers to a number of related creative movements beginning in Germany before the First World War that reached a peak in Berlin, during the 1920s...
, ending with the free form Modernist curves that marked his later work.
There are five structures on the site: his home and studio, the 1956 workshop designed with Louis Kahn
Louis Kahn
Louis Isadore Kahn was an American architect, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. After working in various capacities for several firms in Philadelphia, he founded his own atelier in 1935...
, the 1928 German Expressionist log garage which now serves as the museum visitor center, his woodshed, and the recently reconstructed German Expressionist outhouse.
The buildings, from their structural forms down to the door handles and light pulls, were designed and built by Wharton Esherick to create a complete artistic environment. The Studio is filled with more than 200 of Wharton Esherick's works, including sculpture, furniture and furnishings, paintings and prints.
The Wharton Esherick Museum was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1971, and opened for visitors in 1972. The Museum is open for tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Group tours (minimum of 5 people) can be arranged Monday through Friday, from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. All tours require a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 610-644-5822 during business hours. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12.
The studio was declared a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1993.
Under the direction of the museum curator, the Wharton Esherick Museum holds an annual Thematic Woodworking Competition and Exhibition as a means to encourage creative thinking, and to encourage the development of new and imaginative designs for items of everyday use.