Salisbury House was built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and his wife Edith. The home was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, and contains authentic 16th century English oak woodwork, English flintwork and rafters that date back to the time of Shakespeare. Called a "national treasure," Salisbury house is graced with the family's original collection of original artworks, tapestries and antique furnishings.
While the shawl and paisley pattern associated with it may have originated in Persia and India, the pattern is named for the city of Paisley, Scotland. By the 19th century the town had become a major center for the weaving industry, in part thanks to Joseph-Marie Jacquard who developed a loom attachment that made the weaving process more efficient.
Every set of parents passes things on to their children, whether it be eye color, sense of humor, or the family business – Evert “Hud” Weeks took up the mantle of CEO of Armand when Carl stepped down in the 1950s. For other families certain talents are nurtured and skills are taught, and for the Duchamp siblings art was practically in their blood.
Now through the end of May, an edition of One World by Wendell Willkie will be one display in the Salisbury House Library.
While sorting through the Salisbury House Archives, staff recently came across a number of copies of the Armand Broadside – the Armand Company newsletter. Copies of the Broadside were sent out to “the 37,000 Best Stores in America”, and included articles and ads for various Armand products, testimonials from sellers all over the country, and even longer form articles written by Carl Weeks.
The Vienna Porcelain Manufactory was established in 1719 by Claudius Innocentius du Paquier, making it the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe. Not too long after the manufactory’s establishment, it and du Paquier came under financial difficulties. Du Paquier happened to be a member of the Viennese Imperial Court, and in 1744 sold the manufactory to the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. It was from then on that it became known as The Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Vienna.
Now through early March, an edition of Storiella as She is Syung by James Joyce will be on display in the Salisbury House Library. This edition is a part of the Weeks family’s book and document collection, and is one of 175 copies published in 1937 by Corvinus Press and printed on handmade mulberry paper. The paper has oxidized over the years, creating small dark spots throughout the book. This edition is bound in a bright, almost neon, orange vellum and housed in a custom box of the same color.
The earliest version of the camera was invented during the 1700s. During the following centuries, it transformed from a rare, coveted product into a mass-produced object. Developments in the 1900s made it possible for even amateurs to take pictures, and now, it is an everyday practice. Carl and Edith Weeks (Carl born in 1876 and Edith born in 1882) lived during this time of lightning speed progress, and their 48-year marriage would capture numerous moments in film. We hope you enjoy this look at their family moments.
Carl and Edith Weeks were dedicated to creating an English manor home that not only looked old but was. Through working with dealers worldwide, the Weeks’ were able to acquire not only antique art and furniture, but entire historic rooms… down to the nails in the floorboards.
Salisbury House Blog