Caisson, Samovar, and Umbrella Stand - Greater Light on Nantucket

Gertrude (1887–1962) and Hanna Monaghan (1889–1972), Quaker sisters from Philadelphia, discovered an old cow barn (built ca. 1790) on Nantucket’s Howard Street in 1929. Guided by their “inner light,” they transformed the barn into a summer sanctuary blending art, eclectic handcrafted objects, and classical architectural elements. They named this oasis and art studio “Greater Light,” today an iconic example of the Nantucket Art Colony of the 1920s–40s.

In this video, Dr. Selina Johnson highlights a selection of eclectic pieces harmonized by the Monaghan's in their studio: a 19th century samovar from Russia; an umbrella stand made from a German artillery shell casing; and an oaken chest carved in bas relief. Dr. Johnson was Hanna Monaghan's close friend and editor of her memoir "Greater Light on Nantucket." She also gave public tours of Greater Light after Hanna's death.

On her death, Hanna bequeathed Greater Light and its contents to the Nantucket Historical Association. Learn more about Greater Light on the NHA website, https://nha.org/visit/historic-sites/greater-light/ and https://nha.org/research/nantucket-history/histories-of-historic-sites/greater-light-history/. The book can be purchased at https://nantucketmuseumshop.org/.

Видео Caisson, Samovar, and Umbrella Stand - Greater Light on Nantucket канала nantuckethistory