Restoration
Return of a TreasureBy Katherine Hyman TimmeFOG Historian/Archivist The new owner of the famed “Knoll” estate in Beverly Hills, Lucy Doheny Battson’s new home after moving from Greystone in 1955, returned the beloved planter/fountain basin to Greystone. While occupying the grounds at Greystone from 1928 to 1955, the massive lead covered plaster and stone filled basin served as an ornamental piece and planter. It graced the entrance to the gardens and was placed between the double stone staircases leading to the upper formal gardens. |
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At the “Knoll” the basin was placed in front of the house and transformed into a water fountain. It was set on a cobalt blue pedestal inside a pool. The rectangle shaped basin with cornered loops is supported by six led covered lions. Two small cherubs sit on opposite sides on the edge of the basin holding their swans.
We are very appreciative of the return of the unique Greystone treasure. Other ornamental elements such as urns and metal planters were also returned.
Restoring a "Spark"
By Katherine Hyman TimmeChair of the Greystone Restoration Committee
In Spring of 2008, the Friends of Greystone’s restoration project gave a special room in the mansion a bright new look. In 1999 while digging for Greystone artifacts, four very special sconces were unearthed in a basement room. Despite their protruding wires and miserable condition, they were a happy discovery. From 1969 to 1982 The American Film Institute leased the mansion from the City of Beverly Hills. At that time many of the existing sconces were removed from the walls in the study, the theater and other common rooms and replaced with more contemporary, and most likely serviceable, fixtures.
These sconces represent the only authentic light fixtures remaining in the mansion. They were designed by the B.B. Bell & Company in 1927. These lightning beauties belong to the North wing walls of the house in a room known as the “Boys Study” where the two eldest Doheny children, Edward and William shared the room.
Renew the Past and Embrace the FutureRestoration of the Minstrel/Musician GalleryBy Historian/Archivist Katherine Timme In 2009, the Friends of Greystone began an exciting new restoration project. The focal point of the first phase of the restoration project was the partially enclosed façade of the Minstrel/Musician Gallery located on the balcony of the living room facing south. The restoration consisted of the removal of non-historic material and the return of missing elements. While leasing Greystone from the City of Beverly Hills the AFI (American Film Institute) converted the gallery into a projection room and used the living room as a theater. Over the years, numerous historic wooden hanging finials were removed and damaged, with only four original full finials remaining. The finials were in need of restoration and were reattached. Two smaller upright finials attached to a horizontal wood frame also needed to be reproduced. The removal of the wall and reattachment of the finials restored the gallery to the original state. Williams Arts Conservation Inc. won the bid for the project. The same team had previously reassembled and restored the living room marble fireplace. Phases II and III will include the restoration of the ceiling bas-relief friezes and the reconstruction of a newly discovered interior wooden wall of the gallery. In contributing to the restoration and preservation of this historic site, the Friends of Greystone have renewed the past and embraced the future. The hope is that musicians will perform in the gallery to the audience below once again. |
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