Photograph: "Mrs. Barnum's boudoir at Marina," second view
Scott, Byron
Nancy Fish Barnum (associated with)
Marina (associated with)
Farini (photography firm) (created by)
Nancy Fish Barnum (associated with)
Marina (associated with)
Farini (photography firm) (created by)
1889 – 1890 (Date manufactured/created)
Large photograph showing a portion of the decorated boudoir of P. T. Barnum's second wife, Nancy Fish Barnum. The photograph, mounted on heavy paperboard, is part of a set of interior and exterior views of the Barnums' home Marina in Bridgeport, Connecticut, taken soon after its completion. The home was designed by architects Longstaff and Hurd of Bridgeport in the Queen Anne style and was built between 1888 and 1889. It stood next to the Barnums' 1869 mansion Waldemere, in the area of Seaside Park, facing Long Island Sound. When the new home was completed, Waldemere was dismantled. The photographs were taken by Farini Photographs, likely between 1889-1890.
This photograph is one of two views of Mrs. Barnum's boudoir, a small sitting room where close female friends and family members might visit with Nancy and where she spent leisure time playing her banjo and reading. Though expensively decorated, the room was not meant to be seen by all visitors. The boudoir was probably connected to her bedroom, of which there are also two views. Even more than the bedroom, the boudoir reveals Nancy Fish Barnum's preference for the French aesthetic in interior decoration with its light colors, delicate furnishings, and airy, floral designs, including the elegant border of swags forming a border near the ceiling. The style is highlighted by walls painted with cherubs, romanticized figures, flowers, and musical instruments. From the painted ceiling hangs an ornate brass chandelier with cut-glass globes. The "parquet" (patterned) floor is composed of different color woods.
Prominent in this photograph is a dainty but elaborately decorated cabinet of collectibles, placed against the wall and next to a tufted (button upholstered) loveseat. The cabinet contains several small birds, which may either be fine ceramic pieces or actual specimens. A banjo with striped strap is propped up against the loveseat, on which Nancy's reading material is casually placed. Among the items is at least one issue of Harper's Weekly magazine. A three-legged table with ornamental items stands to the left of the cabinet. At the left, propped against a chair there is a parasol and a pair of gloves, which suggests the idea of Nancy entertaining female visitors in this space. Also appearing in both views of the boudoir is a folding screen, in which the upper portion of two panels is made of beveled glass. Whether this screen had a particular purpose in the room or was purely decorative is unknown.
The back of the photo support mount is black, save for the gold print that names the photographer as "Farini Photographs. 61 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Conn."
This photograph came in a large paper envelope with a stamped space at the top for recording the number of the photograph, its name (title) and remarks. This photograph is noted as No. 13, and "Mrs. Barnum's boudoir at 'Marina'" is filled in under remarks.
Nancy Fish Barnum sent these images to the Joshua Cunliffe family, friends of hers who lived in England. The photographs transferred into the possession of another at some point, and were then obtained by an antiques dealer in Blackford Bridge, Bury, Lancashire, England. The photographs came to the attention of Barnum Museum curator Kenneth B. Holmes, who purchased them on behalf of the museum while in England for Christmas vacation in December 1970. An article about the initial discovery of the photographs were published in the Bridgeport Sunday Post on January 24, 1971.
Large photograph mounted on heavy paperboard, showing P. T. Barnum and Nancy Fish-Barnum's home Marina in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The home was designed by architects Longstaff and Hurd of Bridgeport in the Queen Anne style and was built in 1889 next to the Barnum's late 1860s mansion Waldemere, in the area of Seaside Park, facing Long Island Sound. When the new home was completed, Waldemere was taken down. Photograph by Farini Photographs, likely taken between 1889-1891.
The front of the photograph shows one of several views of Mrs Barnum's bedroom. On the left side of the photograph sits a chair. A cabinet full of collectibles sits in the center, with a banjo (same as in T-2014-018-002) to the right, Painted on the panels of the walls are various women.
The back is black, save for a gold print that names the photographer as "Farini Photographs. 61 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Conn."
This photograph came in an off white folder. A stamp at the top reads "No., Name, Remarks" with blanks to be filled in. "13" is filled in under No. and "Mrs. Barnum's bedroom at 'Marina'" is filled in under remarks.
Nancy Fish-Barnum sent these images the Joshua Cunliffe family, friends of hers who lived in England. The photographs transferred into the possession of another at some point, and was then obtained by an antiques dealer in Blackford Bridge, Bury, Lancashire, England. The photographs came to the attention of Barnum Museum curator Kenneth B. Holmes, who purchased them on behalf of the museum while in England for Christmas vacation in December 1970. An article about the initial discovery of the photographs were published in the Bridgeport Sunday Post on 24 January, 1971.
1970.006.003 YZ