SUNDAY: Sketch the Morris-Jumel Mansion

 

​The Morris-Jumel Mansion

The mansion was built in 1765 as a country retreat for Roger and Mary Morris.  It's the oldest surviving residence in Manhattan.  

Fun Fact:   The two-story octagon at the rear of the house is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the colonies.

It has quite a history.  The mansion actually served as a headquarters for both sides in the Revolutionary War.   General George Washington first occupied the house with his officers and domestic staff on September 15, 1776.  After the war Aaron Burr married the owner of the mansion in the mansion's parlor.

Sylvan Terrace was originally the carriage drive of the 18th century Morris-Jumel.  The cobblestone street is one block long and has wonderfully restored wooden townhouses built in 1882.  The street is a popular film set location.

“Despite the incredible pedigree of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, ... it has been left to deteriorate. On a hill above Coogan’s Bluff, it looks ghostly from whatever direction you approach. The paint on the exterior is peeling on all sides. Last winter, one of the four columns on the front porch collapsed, leaving that portion of the building to be propped up by scaffolding and necessitating a study about what caused the fall.”  If you’re curious you can read more in the latest issue of ArtDaily  https://artdaily.cc/news/163602/Why-has-this-258-year-old-mansion-been-left-to-fall-apart-

Thanks to Pat Gaignat for pointing to the article and suggesting this Great Neighborhoods of NYC location - in Washington Heights.

DETAILS:

WHAT:  We’re sketching at the Morris-Jumel Mansion and Sylvan Terrace, in Washington Heights

WHEN:  We’ll meet at 11:00 AM SUNDAY, November 5th 22nd - 

Remember: this is the first day of Daylight Savings Time so the time will have changed overnight.

WHERE:  We will meet at the Mansion. 

HOW:  

-   By Subway:  

• C Train to 163rd St.  Use exit marked 161 and St Nicholas Ave . Walk past CTown market and walk up the stone stairs.  Museum entrance is ahead of you at the end of Sylvan Terrace
• It's a longer walk but you can also use the #1 train to 157th Street

-   By Car:  There is no alternate side of the street parking on Sunday.

LUNCH:  12:30 PM  - We'll select a likely spot so we can eat together.  Bring your own - or rely on the local stores and shops

AFTERNOON:  1:30 PM  Back to sketching.

SHOW AND TELL:  3:00 PM  Location to be determined. This is the social part of our day where we will share our sketches, tell stories, and probably talk about art supplies.

NOTE:

-  Bring a stool - it gives you more options.  

Click to enlarge

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Can't find us?  

Call or Text Mark - 973-809-9128

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome