West Pikeland Township and Life’s Patina Buildings
Site 6
This building is one of the most visible signs of the success of the Country School. In 1927, with student admissions increasing, the Academy purchased a 100-acre chicken and grain farm adjacent to the school property and remodeled the barn into a modern sculpture studio. To celebrated sculptor, Angelo Frudakis (Chester Springs “Summer School,” 1940 and 1946), Chester Springs was a Shangri-la,” and “the Sculpture Barn was like a cathedral, with great north light–the three-dimensional lighting that you needed.” Mr. Frudakis is famous for his public sculptures in Philadelphia, such as “The Signer” at 5th and Market Streets.
The Sculptors’ Studio quickly became the domain of Albert Laessle, and later his student, Charles Rudy. The models, enclosed in the “corral” in front of the barn, included “the temperamental goats, Nip and Tuck, the bad-tempered ducks, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and horses, cows, and pigs”. The Evening Bulletin Philadelphia, August 12, 1939). Grace Russell Raymond may have painted this vibrant watercolor from the balcony of the Sculptors Studio, looking across the meadow to the Crystal Diamond Spring.
To reach the next site, cross Art School Road opposite the imposing double farm-house built by Mrs. Margaret Holman, the Innkeeper, in the early 1840’s. According to tradition, Jenny Lind, “the Swedish Nightingale,” stayed here during a visit to the Yellow Springs spa in 1850 or 1851. The Academy added the rear section around 1920. and art students painted murals above the two fireplaces in the office area. The house is privately owned.
Stroll down through the meadow (south) and into the Water Gardens. Turn left, and follow the path that circles around the ponds and through the gardens. Straight ahead you will see the Crystal Diamond Springhouse, one of the ponds (right), and the “Dragonfly Bridge” created by artist and wood craftsman, Jasper Brinton.
