Here we are at the letter H in Jenny’s Alphabe-Thursday weekly meme and I have so much to share from Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington D.C. that I’m posting early.
Welcome to the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post – the legendary heiress, pioneering businesswoman, diplomat, philanthropist, and distinguished collector.
This is Marjorie and her daughter Dina Merrill. Dina was born to Mrs. Post and her 2nd husband Edward F. Hutton. Dina Merrill became a successful actress.
What drew me most to visit Hillwood was reading about Mrs. Post’s collection of Russian Imperial art which was her lifelong passion. Her third husband was United States Ambassador to Russia, Joseph E. Davies. Marjorie and the Ambassador lived in Russia in 1937 and 1938. She has one of the finest collections in the world. The largest portrait gracing the stairway is of Catherine the Great who reigned from 1762-1796.
Czar Alexander
Czar Nicholas II
A centuries-old Russian custom continues today as hosts welcome their guests with a loaf of bread on a round plate with a cellar of salt placed on top. Platters and cellars that were once used by nobility—some of which are currently on view at Hillwood—were often elaborately made of gilded silver and enamel.
Another symbol of Russia is the double-headed eagle inlaid in the center of this floor. This imperial coat of arms sets the tone for the imperial Russian glass and porcelain that fills the room.
Next time I’ll show the amazing collection of Icons and liturgical pieces from the Russian Orthodox church that Mrs. Post treasured. She also has some beautiful Faberge creations. She acquired these in the 1930’s. I’m so grateful to people like Mrs. Post who had the passion and resources to put such an extensive collection together and than to open up her home and collections to the public.
My post about the Gardens at Hillwood are here.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Your posts are so full of information..Who needs school..lol! Thank you!!!
WOW…that is quite a collection. So many beautiful pieces. That inlaid floor is gorgeous.
Such treasures indeed…. now, that floor!!!! I am absolutely in love with that floor.
Absolutely wonderful. It reminds me of Iolani Palace here 🙂
Gorgeous! I love the the inlaid woodwork!
Blessings & Aloha!
So elegant! I cannot truly imagine what it would be like to live with such splendor all around me.
Beautiful collection and interesting information about the bread and salt plates. I love learning something new. Thank you!
Ellen, what a beautiful tour. Those frames are gorgeous and are art by themsleves! That inlay in the floor is stunning! I enjoyed seeing all of these wonderful things. laurie
What a lovely place to visit!
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Thank you for the very interesting post. Beautiful pictures…I felt like I was there with you.
That is quite the amazing collection–very beautiful!
I love this one!
I have always been fascinated with Russian literature and art and that great horsewoman, Catherine the Great!
I will have to put this place on my bucket list!!!
What a great collection of treasures!
What a neat tour! It’s so much fun to get to “see” these.
=)
What a fabulous post! I loved reading about this and visiting without getting out of my nightgown!
You always have such fascinating information to share with us. I love visiting you!
Thanks for linking up.
A+
I agree with Jenny! I have always been interested in Nicholas II, and was delighted to see his portrait.
Fabulous collection! Thank you for sharing.
Her collections are amazing! I wish someone had photos of her New York City triplex. She owned three full floors overlooking Central Park!