Christmas Past
PITTSBURGH — Tours of Clayton, the historic former home of Henry Clay Frick, feature the theme “A Gilded Age Christmas” through Jan. 2. Holiday decorations and artifacts will evoke the traditions and celebrations of the late 19th century.
Live poinsettias grace the hearths, fresh greens lend the scent of pine to the air and a freshly-cut, decorated tree can be seen on the enclosed porch.
In the dining room, visitors will see the table set with fine china, gilded glassware and silver for an elaborate holiday dinner.
The kitchen will evoke domestic staff at work with a display of a holiday meal in preparation, complete with candy-making and festive Christmas touches. As in the past, the breakfast room will be decorated for a whimsical children's party inspired by images from period magazines.
Visitors will also see personal gifts the Frick family gave one another, and archival holiday and winter photographs to enhance the story of Christmas at Clayton.
Through Jan. 2, Clayton will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Docent-led holiday tours are available, with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m.
The entire Frick Art and Historical Center, including Clayton, will be closed Friday and Saturday and Jan. 1.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $6 for children age 16 and younger.
Reservations are recommended. Call 412-371-0600.
The next tour will bethemed “All the Ladies of the House,” which will run March 1 to May 1. This tour will look at Clayton through the eyes of the women who lived there, both owners and servants.
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