Reynolda House

 One of our days during the Easter weekend we went to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem.

The museum is in Reynolda House, the home built from 1914 to 1917 by R. J. Reynolds (founder of Reynolds Tobacco Company) and his wife, Katherine.  Tragically, R. J. had pancreatic cancer when they moved in and died in the following year.  His widow and descendants lived in the house for more than fifty years until it became the museum of the present day.

The main house contains the permanent collection, displayed as art in such a magnificent home would have been naturally displayed.  The house itself is a major part of why people visit there.

A new addition to the house showcases changing exhibits. Currently this gallery is displaying the work of Stephen Towns.  His work, which includes both painting and quilting, shows Black Americans’ pursuit of the American dream against the background of American labor.  It is both beautiful and moving.

Because we were there on a cold and rainy day, we did not get to explore the extensive gardens.  Another visit later in the year will be time for that.