Aspet - Cornish, New Hampshire


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North America » United States » New Hampshire » Cornish » Aspet
June 6th 2009
Published: June 6th 2009
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This week Karen, Maureen, Diane and I visited Aspet the Saint-Gaudens studio in Cornish, New Hampshire. This is the only National Park in New Hampshire and the first National Park that was dedicated to an American Artist. This was such an inspiring place to visit. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was one of the premier artists of the 18th century. He first came to Cornish for the summer in 1885 renting an abandoned inn from his friend Charles Beaman and used a converted hay barn as his studio. He grew to love the place and purchased it in 1892 using it as his summer home until 1900 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He spent his final seven years living and working at Aspet. During this time the area became a summer gathering place for artists and writers known as the Cornish Colony. After his death his wife and son continued to summer at Aspet. In 1919 they established the Saint-Gaudens Memorial preserving Aspet as a historic site. In 1965 the Memorial donated the property to the National Park Service. His studios have examples of his works and recasts of his bronze works are spread through out the park.
The grounds have wonderful walks through the gardens, fields and woods. A ravine cuts through the property that holds the Blow Me Up brook. Along the ravine is a studio where we met Steve this summer’s artist in residence. Steve enjoyed sharing his craft and showing us the steps of how a work is transformed from wax to bronze.
We had a great Day.



Additional photos below
Photos: 25, Displayed: 23


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Fresh FlowersFresh Flowers
Fresh Flowers

Through out the grounds fresh flower arrangements were set. This really added to the experience.
Blow Me Down GrangeBlow Me Down Grange
Blow Me Down Grange

One of the many "Blow Me Down" named places in Cornish.


10th July 2009

Beautiful!
Hi! Thanks for all this pictures ^^ I'm from Aspet, Haute Garonne ( 15km from the town St Gaudens) in France where Augustes St Gaudens' s come from. I knew that he went in US to create his "Aspet" bis but i ve never seen pictures....It' s quite strange because even the mountain looks like Pyrenees! Thanks again!

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