For those of you who don’t know, I grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Home of Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge, the Mushroom Capital of the World (Kennett Square), and for any of us who went to public school in the county — the Brandywine River Museum.
The Museum was THE PLACE for school field trips once a year. It is such a gem in Southeastern Pennsylvania that I am sure most of its residents, as I did, take it for granted. We used to groan when we knew the Brandywine River Museum was our “day away from school” destination, instead of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia — or some other “cool” place.Â
In reality, the BRM was the place that introduced me to art. Real art. Paintings of naked women art.  You know, classy stuff. Stuff a kid from my background would most likely not appreciate, and perhaps snicker at, at that age. Timeless pieces of art and beauty created by man.
One of the reasons the BRM was started in 1971 was to honor and hold the collections of the Wyeth family, who made their home in Chester County.  Yesterday, one of the most famous American contemporary artists, Andrew Wyeth, passed away.
Andrew Wyeth was as famous as famous is in Chester County.  His father, N.C. Wyeth, was known around the world as a painter and illustrator. Andrew learned his craft in his father’s workshop.
As a kid growing up in Chester County, the Wyeth family’s importance in the art world was embedded into our studently consciousness. And Andrew was mysterious. It was rumored he came in with the crowd somtimes at the Brandywine River Museum, but no one ever remembers actually seeing him. He was like our version of the Wizard of Oz. Really important, all-encompassing, never seen but through his work.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy honored Andrew Wyeth by giving him the President Medal of Freedom — the first time it had ever been given to an artist.  Amazing.
I just wanted to acknowledge this morning the passing of this great American artist and patriot. And thank him for opening the world of art to a lot of stupid kids who appreciate him a lot more as they got older.
-Bruce (GayPatriot)
Really? The Wyeth collection is here in Pennsylvania? I had no idea — thanks for mentioning it. We’ll go see it when it’s warmer than the current -9 degrees. Speaking of historical collections, the Columbus (as in Christopher) chapel is here in Boalsburg, in Centre County, if you’re ever up this way.
A little known anecdote about Andrew Wyeth who walked among his neighbors and did good deeds all the time.
A friend of mine had just purchased wine and liquor for a Christmas party (it was very cumbersome and heavy), as she walked from the store a man approached her. Dressed very casually, rumpled hat and beard – he asked if he could take her purchases to her car. She accepted and then went back in the store to pay the bill. The clerk asked her if she knew who that man was, she said No. Andrew Wyeth was the answer.
Yes he was an integral part of of our lives in Chester County and we will all miss him greatly. We are very fortunate that the Brandywine River Museum will always be there so we can view his works, his Dad’s and his son’s anytime we want.
What fond memories you bring back for me! I grew up in central New Jersey and NYC, but spent much time in the Philadelphia area as a young man. Both the BRM and Longwood Gardens became two of my favorite places. I have vived memories of Christmas at Longwood Gardens, afternoons lookings at Wyeth paintings and wonderful meals in small village resturants. How Chester County managed to maintain such an endearing rural atmosphere is beyond me. I hope it is still that way.
Hi Bruce,
I did not know tat you grew up here in Chester County! Well, greetings from home, sad about our Eagles, glad for the Steelers. I love your blog, have been visiting it for a while now, and I find it refreshing to hear your views!