America’s Treasures at Bayou Bend

• Contains an illustrated essay detailing the collection’s history
• Features a showcase of 100 of the collection’s masterpieces along with stunning full-colour photographs

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens in Houston, Texas, houses one of the world’s great collections of American furniture, paintings and decorative arts. The collection is displayed in the historic residence of Texas philanthropist Ima Hogg (1882-1975). In 1957, Miss Hogg gave Bayou Bend to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and it was converted into a house museum and opened to the public in 1966. The collection is installed in 28 room settings that reflect historic and stylistic periods from 1620 to 1870. The collection is especially strong in furniture made for urban homes from the early colonial period to the Civil War. It also features a remarkable survey of early-American painting and silver. This book presents the highlights of the wonderful collection of American furniture, paintings and decorative arts at Bayou Bend. Included is an illustrated essay detailing the history of how the collection was formed, followed by a brief showcasing of 100 of the collection’s masterpieces, engaging catalogue entries and dramatic colour photographs.

Michael K. Brown is Curator at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.