A Royal Visit to Oak Spring
OSGF
Today we're sharing a painting of a special memory at Oak Spring Garden Foundation. On November 10, 1985, HM King Charles III (the former Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales, came for a visit to Little Oak Spring.
The main reason for their visit to the states was to tour The National Gallery of Art exhibit, "The Treasure Houses of Britain: 500 Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting."
As soon as Mrs. Mellon received notice of when they would visit Oak Spring, she began working on the event immediately–having Oak Spring staff construct a new pavilion near her dining room with specially made dining chairs. Read below to get a glimpse into that special day.
Photo 1 is of the luncheon setting of the table painted by local Middleburg artist, Anthony Barham. On the recto, the artist has painted a cloud in the shape of a small bunny that can be seen through the pavilion's window at the far right.
Photo 2 features the painting and the chairs. The chairs were made from cold-rolled steel at Oak Spring by Bing Lloyd, Mike Lloyd, and Bill Ryan, and then painted a light brown by Jack Slack, all employees of Mr. and Mrs. Mellon. The tree with the ribbon was painted by interior decorator Paul Leonard (1931-2002) on the top backs of each chair.
Photo 3 showcases a moodboard of the luncheon. The tablecloth used for the event (far right) is still at Little Oak Spring. The tree with reddish-pink flowers on the tablecloth and verso comes from a design made by Braquenié et Cie, "Tree of Life" and was possibly recommended to Mrs. Mellon by close friend Hubert de Givenchy (1927-2018). The preliminary blueprints (top left) were created by Oak Spring staff.
Photo 4, the only picture recorded of the day, was given to the artist for recreation.
Photos 5 and 6 are of a poem written by another guest at the luncheon, The Honorable Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. In his thank you letter with the poem, Senator Sheldon wrote, "You have given me a memory which I will share with my grandchildren!"
Photo 7 is a snapshot of Princess Diana dancing with actor John Travolta in the Entrance Hall at a formal dinner on November 9, 1985. In the background, President Ronald Reagan is also dancing and First Lady Nancy Reagan is talking with Prince Charles. Ronald Photograph by Pete Souza, and image courtesy of Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA.
Photo 8 is at the reception and dinner for HM King Charles III (the former Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales in conjunction with the exhibition, The Treasure Houses of Britain: 500 Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting (November 3, 1985-April 13, 1986), on November 11, 1985. Photograph by Dean Beasom, and image courtesy of the National Gallery of Art Archives.
Photo 9 is at the reception and dinner for HM King Charles III (the former Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales in conjunction with the exhibition, The Treasure Houses of Britain: 500 Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting (November 3, 1985-April 13, 1986), on November 11, 1985. Photograph by Rex Stucky, and image courtesy of the National Gallery of Art Archives.
Photo 10 is of Diana, Princess of Wales (left) and HM King Charles III (the former Prince of Wales) (right) during their visit to the exhibition, The Treasure Houses of Britain: 500 Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting (November 3, 1985-April 13, 1986) on November 10, 1985. Photograph by Dennis Brack and image courtesy of the National Gallery of Art Archives.
The luncheon at Little Oak Spring included 20 special guests, such as: Caroline and John Kennedy, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Mellon, and Dita Amory. HM King Charles III (the former Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales arrived via helicopter from Washington, DC. Thanks to letters and notes received following the luncheon, one gathers that they enjoyed the peaceful escape to the Virginia countryside in contrast to the bustling city. Mrs. Mellon even arranged a tent and luncheon for their entourage, impressing the Marines and State Department agents with her hospitality.
Mrs. Mellon handled this luncheon like she did all others, with grace, style, comfort, and elegance.