Durow Trust Fund

Iridescence

April 2021 through April 2023

Thanks to a bequest from the estate of Frederick and Marian Hughes Durow, the Museum has the ability to exhibit, preserve and develop its extensive collection of decorative arts. Through the Durows' generosity and foresight, generations of visitors will be able to experience the beauty and artistry of these amazing objects.

  Stemming from the Greek term and name of the goddess of the rainbow, Iris, "iridescence" refers to the visual effect displayed where the colors of the rainbow shift as the viewing angle changes. Throughout history, naturally iridescent materials were prized items of beauty. They were used to adorn decorative items, create accessories, and as currency for trade. The kaleidoscope of rainbow colors can be seen in several familiar human-made and natural objects such as decorative glassware, pottery, beads, soap bubbles, rocks and minerals, seashells, butterfly wings, and peacock feathers.

The Durow Trust presents the colorful exhibition Iridescence in the Sawyer Library that, along with the historic Sawyer Home portion of the Museum, was uniquely designed by Tiffany Studios. The exhibition demonstrates how iridescence has impacted the decorative arts and design and showcases iridescent items in the Museum's collection. The exhibition will also introduce three new acquisitions of iridescent glass pieces recently added to the Museum's decorative arts collection.

Vase, Tiffany Studios, 1915,
Favrile glass, Museum purchase,
OPM #2020.58.1