wharton esherick museum

BarbaraD831

When asked by our American host where we wanted to visit during our recent trip, the Wharton Esherick museum was the top of the list. Why? Because we have been there before and it is the most enchanting, interesting and inspiring place full of the man's character and talent. The docents we have had have been brilliant and every time we come we are introduced to or discover something different. The design concepts, the furniture, the building and the location all combine to make this a perfect construct. We brought back a postcard of the amazing staircase; our six year old grandson has carried around in his pocket for weeks and says he wants to build a house just like it. That's how much of an inspiration the man and his creation are.

LynneS856

This museum tells the story and the amazing talent of a most creative man. The tour (available only be reservation) is one of the most engaging ever! You don't need to love things made of wood to love this museum. From the house itself to the furniture to the piece of art, this museum will not disappoint. You are missing something very special if you pass on a chance to take a tour.

queenbeesneko

I have been visiting this wonderful place most of my life and I always see something new to admire when I return. It is a shrine to personal expression and to craftsmanship. Wharton's home and workshop launched me on an exploration of other such works of personal creation such as Opus 40, Watts Towers, the Orange Foundation...... You can tour the planet looking for these :>O

460johannas

I have no interest in wood working, but I like to go to museums. I'm so glad I visited the Wharton Escherick Museum. Wharton Esherick was a sculptor who worked primarily in wood. The furniture he crafted looks like sculture. The winding wood staircase is amazing! Inside this small museum, Esherick created everything. Even the kitchen drawers. What a wonderful museum to take children to see in the hope that some of them might become interested in working in wood. Wharton Escherick was called the "link between the Arts & Crafts Movement and the resurgent interest in furniture making following World War II." I was watching Antique Roadshow and someone had a Wharton Esherick stool. Just wish I had found that stool at a flea market!Johanna J Smith, MA, LPC

WGraham68

Was tipped to this by friends who know my interest in woodworking and natural shapes. Esherick, Maloof and Nakashima are three amazing woodworkers and I had no idea Esherick lived just an hour away. Each docent gives a variation on the story since this man reinvented himself several times over his life. First as a painter and then later into sculpting, wood working and the blend of these. The tour is NOT handicap friendly since it involves using the handmade narrow spiral staircases and low ceiling steps but the collection is marvelous. As in so many places, you can't take pictures which was a disappointment for me, however, most of what I saw can be found online or in books available at reasonable prices at the admissions desk/room/gift shop. Pay attention to the directions as this place is tucked back in a residential area and is not obvious until you are just about there.

RobU556

This museum bears homage to the skill and imagination of one man, Wharton Esherick. although he started our as a painter he made his make are a woodworker and wood carver. Using mostly scraps or "found" wood Esherick created useful items or artistic pieces. The museum is set up so that the tours are small and intimate. The staff is enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable. His house is fascinating in every detail from the one-of-a kind wooden doorknobs and hinges to the furniture pieces that reside in the Smithsonian. The message is that one man's vision and purpose can create a world without the normal boundaries or constraints. Kind of like Walt Disney in wood.

ltbdiverKLF

This is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town visitors. The museum was the home of the artist Wharton Esherick and it is filled with his paintings, prints, sculpture and furniture. He designed and built his home on the side of Valley Forge Mountain and it is worth going out of your way to see. The docents give excellent tours but should be reserved in advance. Because of the nature of the house it is not suitable for very young children.

nuds

Every time I have visited has been just a little different. Each guide puts there own spin on this property and you learn something new every time.

RonSilliman

Esherick was a great American original. I would not recommend for someone with mobility concerns, however, as spiral staircases must be negotiated

JustQuietAndClean

This former home of Wharton Esherick is absolutely a gem. It is so interesting on every level. You tour the house and immediate grounds and appreciate the asymmetrical house, how the house is painted subtly on the outside to blend in with the trees and brush, the art and sculpture within, the printed fabrics, the furniture - it just is totally unique and amazing.

stripes18

This was my third visit to the Wharton Esherick Museum and each visit is more enjoyable than the last. This is a glimpse of a unique American artist's life and work. Very near to Valley Forge, I urge everyone to make a reservation to visit the Wharton Esherick Studio. It is a fascinating place and the spirit of the artist lingers long after. Inspiring.

CarlanneNewJersey

Traveling to nearby attractions such as the Brandywine Valley, I had learned of this museum/studio. I was stopped from visiting by the necessity of making a reservation. By chance I booked a hotel stay nearby through an auction purchase and then looked for an activity. I was delighted to be able to make a reservation during my stay. I became somewhat familiar with the artist prior to my visit, and I had seen some of his work in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Our tour guide, Laura, was excellent in her presentation and we spent more than our expected time in the buildings. Some of the work is simply thrilling in its beauty and simplicity. Some is amusing and of personal use. Just an outstanding place to visit and an outstanding artist to get to know.

KarlM490

This was my second trip to the home-turned-museum of Wharton Esherick. I had no idea of this man or his work until a friend of mine took me some years back, but I now like to pass this gem along to others whenever possible. If you appreciate the time and patience that goes into woodcraft and appreciate the work of people who try and work with the wood at hand rather than forcing it to work with them – you’ll really be amazed by Esherick’s eye and patience. This is definitely not for children and if you have a physical limitation, the nature of the estate wouldn’t be suited to special needs. The home was preserved upon his death and converted into a museum. Some of his pieces are at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and so can be observed there (if you should have a physical limitation). Amazing space – amazing work. Definitely worth the effort of finding it along the back-roads where it is situated.

Judy382

Esherick was an outstanding artist and this home/studio is just amazing and a wonderful place to visit

giraffelt

As a woodworker I was aware of Wharton Esherick but hadn't really been a fan. Pictures of some of his work had seemed to me to be to far to the form side of the form vs function equation. Nonetheless since we were visiting Philadelphia I decided to visit the museum. What a charming whimsical home. Every inch is representative of his work, art and architecture. Its a very tactical experience and you want to touch every wood surface. With the explanations given by the guide about Wharton's philosophy I now have an understanding of his work and a new found admiration. He truly was the father of American contemporary studio furniture.We had seen the famous fireplace mantel at the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art the day before visiting the Esherick museum so our expectations had already been raised and we weren't disappointed.A must see museum set in a charming wooded area for anyone who enjoys art, sculpture, architecture, furniture design or woodworking