Tiffany at Biltmore Exhibition Celebrates History, Art and Gardens

ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When the Tiffany at Biltmore exhibition opens this summer at Biltmore -- George Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre estate -- lovers of art, antiques and gardens will encounter a feast for the senses.

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The exhibition of 45 stained-glass lamps and eight photomurals will fill the Biltmore Legacy exhibition hall in the estate's Antler Hill Village. In addition to viewing the renowned lamps, guests can take in Tiffany-inspired landscapes and designs around the estate created for the exhibition.

The exhibition, known as "Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art," comes to Biltmore from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York City. It is an in-depth look at the Tiffany Studios' efforts to produce lamps that balance artistry with utility and profitability.

One of America's most celebrated artists and designers, Tiffany was an established tastemaker in the late 19th century. He catered to the wealthiest patrons, including both friends and family of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Though also noted for his skills in painting, decorative arts, and interior design, it was Tiffany's experimentation with stained glass that brought him lasting fame.

Tiffany's use of botanicals and love of nature have inspired Biltmore's horticulture team to create interpretations of his iconic dragonfly lamp series. Four dragonflies -- one in each of the diamond-shaped patterned beds in the Walled Garden -- will be created from flowers and foliage planted and designed to resemble stained glass. Each dragonfly design will span 40 feet and will take more than 12,000 plants to create. The team will also build a six-foot-tall, 24-foot-long "living wall" of flowering plants and greenery that resembles a stained-glass window.

Guests entering Biltmore House during the exhibition will walk under a large arbor hanging over the front door. Glass grapes and botanical touches will adorn the arbor. The center fountain in the home's Winter Garden will be transformed into a "growing" lamp with tropical plants and shallow water gardens to create an exotic atmosphere.

Tiffany at Biltmore runs July 1 through Oct. 23, and will be included in admission to Biltmore. For information, visit www.biltmore.com.

About Biltmore

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1895, America's largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family's original collection of furnishings, art and antiques.  Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.  Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; Biltmore For Your Home, the company's licensed products division; and Biltmore Inspirations, Biltmore's party plan business.  To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

SOURCE Biltmore