Brandywine River Museum to Offer Tours of Andrew Wyeth's Studio

"The world of Andrew Wyeth is best understood by a visit to his studio." -Jamie Wyeth

CHADDS FORD, Pa., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chadds Ford studio where Andrew Wyeth, one of the most significant artists in American history, painted many of his most important works of art, will open for tours this summer. Given to the Brandywine River Museum by the artist's wife, Betsy James Wyeth, the studio has undergone careful restoration to preserve its appearance when it was used by the late artist.

Visitors will see where Wyeth created some of his most iconic works of art and learn about his creative process on guided tours. His library, photos, film collection, fencing gear, military miniatures collection, costumes and props are among the many fascinating objects that add to this glimpse into his private world.

Wyeth painted in the studio from 1940 until 2008. Thousands of works of art are associated with this studio, including those inspired by the farms and open space of the Brandywine Valley, and the Brandywine River that runs through Chadds Ford and the surrounding countryside.

Built as a schoolhouse in 1875, the building also served as Wyeth's home for two decades. He and his wife Betsy moved in shortly after their marriage in 1940, and lived there until 1961. Life and art were entwined as Andrew's career soared. They had two sons, Nicholas and Jamie. The building also served as Jamie's first studio where he painted many of his early works.

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) was born in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the youngest child of the internationally renowned painter and illustrator N.C. Wyeth.

Public tours will begin on July 3rd and tickets may be purchased online starting May 1 at www.brandywinemuseum.org.  

A few lucky visitors can be among the first to enter the Andrew Wyeth Studio on special tours on April 24 and 28, and May 1, 5 and 10. With only 14 spaces available for each tour, people are encouraged to book early to be part of this exclusive preview.

The Brandywine River Museum presents A Painter's View: The Andrew Wyeth Studio, on view through October 28. This exhibition features the artist's own view of his studio in paintings and drawings lent from private collections. These works reflect Wyeth's interest in the building's spare and aged interior and reveal informal moments with individuals who often posed there. The gallery also features many of the major works painted by Wyeth in the studio over his 70-year career.

The Brandywine River Museum is located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The Museum is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org.

CONTACT:
Hillary Holland
610-388-8336
[email protected]

SOURCE The Brandywine River Museum