Monday, January 12, 2015

Discovering Shutze

Have you ever "accidentally" discovered an exhibit...that you forgot you knew was coming? Long after reading about it? Such a circumstance can make for an exciting discovery! That was my experience last month at the Atlanta History Center.

I was touring the Swan House over the holidays and overheard other visitors talking about "downstairs". It started jarring my memory, and off I went exploring. I was beyond impressed with the first gallery I came upon, but the exhibit kept on going...and going...and going...


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life features a significant portion of Swan House architect Philip Trammell Shutze's personal collection, one that started in the late 1940s with the "desire to acquire a full dinner setting of blue and white Canton china." 

Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

What started as a modest endeavor was "escalating to furious activity by the 1950s." Shutze bequeathed his collection to the Atlanta History Center--he passed away in 1982--with the stipulation that it be exhibited in the 1928 Swan House, what he considered his architectural masterpiece, as do many Atlantans. 



Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

The collection on display includes more than 350 artifacts from Shutze's collection of books, furniture, textiles and ceramics. Specifically in this new permanent exhibition are English and Continental pottery and porcelain, Chinese Export porcelain, and American and English period furniture. 


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

I never knew there was so much room in the basement-turned-gallery of the Swan House. But I shouldn't have been surprised, knowing that the never-used, original 1936 Magic Chef stove--now in the kitchen--had been stored down there, to be discovered when the Atlanta History Center acquired the historic home.


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

It was an exceptional revelation to discover this part of Shutze's life. I've long known that Shutze was a fascinating person, but evidently I have many more layers of his life to explore. 


As fascinating as the individual items in this collection are, the one piece that I found most captivating is an 1850 Chinese lacquer sewing table, pictured above. At first I thought it was a gaming table, but I can't say I was disappointed. I learned how to sew from my mother, and have some experience from my Navy days--you had to be able to repair your uniform at a moment's notice--and I know zero Chinese board games. It's a beautiful piece of furniture, either way.


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

Now, I'm not suggesting that you eavesdrop on other tourists, but if you happen to hear something, and they seem approachable, ask them about an exhibit they're talking about, or ask a museum staff member. Or, with today's technology, it's quite likely that the museum or attraction you're visiting has an app that you can search on your phone!

Then again, you can do what I did and just go see for yourself. I'm so glad I did. I would also suggest, even if you're a longtime member, that you check the website, subscribe (bottom of page) to their newsletter, follow Social Media, or pick up a map at the welcome desk and ask the attendant, "What's new that I should see?"


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

There are artifacts from Shutze's collection around every corner and in every corner...there are many pleasant surprises, I should say. 



Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

When you visit, I highly recommend that you allow ample time to explore. Give yourself time to soak in the significant amount of detail this exhibition offers. "As a collector, Shutze's first concern was the scholarly pursuit of the object based on careful study--as an expression of taste, respect for the past, and a way of living." That discernment makes itself obvious in this collection.


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

Half of Shutze's ceramics collection is comprised of Chinese Export. Much of that you'll get to see, and there's so much more. In fact, this permanent exhibition showcases 70% more than the previous Atlanta History Center exhibition, Philip Trammell Shutze: Atlanta Classicist, Connoisseur, and Collector, of which there's a catalog available in the gift shop!


Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, Atlanta History Center

As I noted, I have a lot more to learn about Philip Shutze. Fortunate for me, and other Atlanta tourists, there are magnificent places to visit--and learn from--like the Atlanta History Center. And may I recommend an "Open House Experience", when you can meet "living history characters" who share what life was like in the house.

Of course, venture down to see Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life, a remarkable collection of history from a remarkable architect's life.

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