Ochre Court, Newport, RI, 1892-1897
Scope and Contents
The files in series 1 date from 1892 to 1897 and represent 0.417 linear feet. This series documents the later stages of construction, landscaping and furnishing of the mansion. There is very little information about the planning and design process or the primary construction of the building.
The folders titled "Expenses related to construction..." contain many receipts and correspondence from Richard Morris Hunt, who seemed to be working as the project manager, overseeing even the last stages of decoration and exterior work. Receipts from his firm cease shortly after his death in July 1895. The "landscape expenses" files document work that was done on the grounds after the Olmsteds' work was completed. Some of these details were overseen by James H. and Ernest Bowditch. Many Newport companies from the turn of the century are represented in this series, and many local individuals are named.
Dates
- Creation: 1892-1897
Creator
- From the Collection: Goelet family (Family)
Language
English and French
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is not restricted.
Historical Note
Ochre Court, commissioned by Ogden Goelet as his family's summer residence in Newport, was the first of four Newport mansions designed by Richard Morris Hunt. As the country's foremost architect in the late 19th century, Hunt drew inspiration for the 50-room limestone palace from late Gothic French architecture. Inside the house, Hunt utilized design elements from French renaissance chateaux and churches to create a three-story Great Hall, from which radiate impressive ground floor reception rooms such as a dining room, ballroom, and library. Private upstairs family rooms were richly designed with imported antique fireplaces and lavish wall coverings. Hunt emphasized the Goelets' social position and their patronage of learning and the arts with exuberant decoration in classical ceiling paintings, royal heraldic devices, carved emblems and statues, and a rich collection of antique stained glass. Many of the furnishings were obtained through high-end dealers such as L. Alavoine, Jules Allard Fils, and L. Marcotte. Hunt brought in other experienced New York companies such as James Sinclair & Co. to erect the stonework and Ellin, Kitson & Co. to carve the Caen limestone interiors and gilded woodwork. Ochre Court was one of the first fully electrified residences in Newport, using its own generator. Construction of the house officially spanned the years 1888 to 1891, but it appears that many smaller tasks of decorating the interior and completing the gardens continued well into the mid 1890s.
The estate grounds, designed by Olmsted Brothers, had formal perennial gardens and walkways shaded by several mature specimen trees.
It was Robert's gift of Ochre Court to the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1947 that established Salve Regina College.
Full Extent
0.417 Linear Feet (11 folders)
Repository Details
Part of the Salve Regina University Special Collections Repository
McKillop Library
100 Ochre Point Ave.
Newport RI 02891 USA
401-341-2276
401-341-2951 (Fax)
archives@salve.edu