An exhibit titled “Gnomes vs. Flamingos: A brief history of lawn ornamentation” is on display at the Historical Society of Cheshire County.
In a salute to decorative impulses, the HSCC is presenting this showcase of lawn art from the late 19th century through today. The exhibit includes approximately 120 individual pieces of ornamentation and 45 photographs of figurines, plastic creatures, metal objects and other artifacts that bring life to front lawns. Anyone who believes that lawn art is only about shiny reflecting balls on pillars will be corrected here.
The display, in the exhibit room of the Society’s Ball Mansion
The exhibit focuses the eye on different periods of lawn ornamentation — for example, a Victorian age of garden gnomes and a mid-20th century fenced yard populated with figurines. As for gnomes and flamingos after which the exhibit is named, they’ve been given their own corners of the room in recognition that they don’t always get along.
Special guest artist for the show is photographer Medora Hebert of Westmoreland who spent months photographing lawn ornaments throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. Also on display are the works of contemporary artist and metal-smith Bob Taylor of Alstead, traditional folk artist Tim Campbell of Keene, and chain-saw carver Peter Auchmoody of Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 6.
For more information, contact the society at 352-1895 or visit www.hsccnh.org.