SHINING A LIGHT ON TIFFANY

The brilliance and talents of Louis Comfort Tiffany are being spotlighted in a new exhibit at the New Britain Museum of American Art through Sunday, September 29.  This craftsman and painter could have  continued in the family tradition established by his father Charles in the jewelry and silver business at the famed Tiffany's of New York City.  Instead this creative genius made his own artistic path through his pursuit of beauty.

Living from 1848 to 1933, he spent many years in Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa and all those influences are present in his art.  He was fascinated with the exotic and with nature. The 100 paintings in the exhibit in New Britain include landscapes, still-lifes and cityscapes and reveal his love of all things foreign.  He also worked in Luminism, an American movement fixated on light, color and atmosphere.

His interest in interior design also showed his influence by exotic cultures around the world.  While his father was known as the "King of Diamonds," Louis was a perfectionist who designed all the pieces of stained glass that carried his name.  He "painted with glass" and by 1900 was the premier glass maker in the world. He began in 1886 in France creating stained glass objects and windows in churches.  He started making his famous lamps to utilize the leftover pieces of glass from those stained glass windows.

His father exhibited many of his son's works in his store and it is said in the 1800's a three hour tour of Tiffany's was like a three month European tour.
Visit the New Britain Museum of American Art and see a treasure trove of paintings, stained glass windows, lamps, vases and furniture.  Be sure to see the film about both father and son that will provide valuable insights into their accomplishments.  The museum is located at 56 Lexington Street, New Britain.

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon – 5 p.m.

Admission:

Members FREE

$12 for Adults
$10 for Seniors
$8 for Students
Children under 12 free
Saturday admission from 10 a.m. to noon is free to the public.