Recently Patrick’s mother came to visit, who is an avid art lover, so we spent a day at the stunning Huntington Library. The Huntington is far more than a library, it sprawls over 200 acres with multiple art galleries, restaurants, and a diverse variety of gardens. It’s simply massive, and I would say impossible to see all in one day.

With railroad money, Henry and Arabella Huntington, who had a passion for art, bought up paintings, sculptures, books, and more until Henry’s passing in 1927. As per his wishes, the collection was opened to the public the following year. Today visitors can explore the extensive grounds, gaze upon artifacts and a wide array of artwork from around the world, including a gallery located in the former home of the couple. While opening in 1928, the Huntington continues to collect items to educate and inspire visitors.

Lovers of 50s kitsch will delight in seeing Pinkie and Blue Boy, who were reproduced as a pair in a variety of ways in the mid-20th century. While painted roughly 25 years apart, and by two separate artists (Pinkie, a portrait of Sarah Barrett Moulton by Sir Thomas Lawrence, and The Blue Boy, a portrait of Jonathan Buttal by Thomas Gainsborough), the pair have been linked together over the decades, and even parodied. Keen eyed guests at Disneyland will spot a version in Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, where which Mr. Toad replaces Jonathan Buttall as Blue Boy. I also enjoyed Kehinde Wiley’s contemporary take, A Portrait of a Young Man, which hangs opposite Blue Boy.

Another highlight was seeing the panels that were carved by Sargent Johnson for the California School of the Blind in 1933. I love the detail and Art Deco interpretations of nature and people. As part of the New Deal’s Public Works of Art Project, these panels were carved of redwood and used gilding to add further details. When the school closed, the panels went to various museums, but have been reunited at the Huntington.

For me part of the joy of the Huntington is its old world feel, with its lawns, gardens, hidden pathways, and statues. It’s the closest some of us west coasters can get to visiting a country estate in England!

We didn’t make it to everything during our visit, in fact I totally spaced on going to the conservatory or mausoleum. Also, it was still too early to see some flowers, the rose garden was completely bare! I’ve already planned to return later this spring with a friend.

The Huntington is located just ten miles northeast of downtown LA at 1151 Oxford Road in San Marino. Learn more about The Huntington, including current exhibits and ticketing, on their website.

What’s Near By?

Fair Oaks Pharmacy

The Gamble House

Pasadena City Hall