Fiona Moss / 12 March 2013 / Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Historical Interest and Stately Homes

Huntington Library

PARADISE IN PASADENA

I had no idea this wonderful little piece of Californian history was tucked away in San Marino just off the 110 freeway. I went last Thursday for free by booking tickets ahead of time online, next free day is the 4th April but tickets do get snapped up quickly.

The house is small, but you can imagine wonderful parties being held in the grand rooms that open up on the biggest back yard you have ever seen. The collection of paintings features a couple by English 18th century artist Joshua Reynolds, his portrait of his mistress the English actress, Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse. Thomas Gainsborough's the Blue Boy is the most famous in the collection and we got to watch a 15 minute film giving some background on the picture and some of the mystery around it, the boy in the painting is not a member of the upper classes as his attire would suggest but it's thought he was a working boy, Jonathon Buttall, the son of a merchant friend of Gainsborough, dressed up for the artist to paint, as a tribute to Van Dyke.

Another painting purchased from the Duke Of Westminster is John Constable's, British landscape artist, View on the Stour. It was beautiful.

The gardens are absolutely amazing and huge. You feel as if you are travelling around the world as you explore. I particularly loved the Japanese garden. There is a totally cute cafe in the rose garden that serves afternoon tea and sandwiches, English style. The library holds plant sales regularly, a great way to take a little piece of the place home with you, I thought.

I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this place and you don't feel like you are in California for sure. The Huntington is supported by memberships and as usual you get free entry and other special benefits when you sign up but if you are broke get yourself online and grab your tickets for April. It would be a great day for kids and adults of any age.