Not your average Victorian

24 Jul Not your average Victorian

On a quiet street that was once considered a “streetcar suburb” in Nashville sits a grand old Victorian.

The plaque recognizes the home’s architectural significance by the Metropolitan Historical Commission.  Then there’s a playful piece that honors one of the home’s furry inhabitants.

This bronze of Andrew done by well known sculptor Alan LeQuire is so lifelike with the facial expression and feeling of movement.  It must startle some guests when they first come up the steps!

And another surprise is when you get inside the home. It’s like stepping into a gallery.

Nashville attorney  Henry Walker has lived here since 2000 and has commissioned much of the art in his home.

A stunning mural painted over a period of several years by local artist Bruce Matthews graces the walls of the foyer. It even features Walker’s two dogs,  Andrew and Rachel, named after former President Andrew Jackson and his first lady.

The mural has so much light, color and depth, and it stretches across the large foyer and up the stairs to the first landing.

Walker was persuaded by a designer friend to “expand his notion of color” in the house built in 1902 so he went with it, which laid the foundation for the paint colors used throughout the home.

The majority of the art is done by Tennessee artists.

Famous Memphis painter Carroll Cloar did this lovely piece Walker purchased from Case Antiques in Nashville. It hangs in his dining room, accompanied by other creations.

The stained glass windows were all done by local artist Paul Crommelin.  Many of them give the illusion of being on the water.

Then there are the windows upstairs in the bathroom that represent the seven major religions of the world.  They can be seen from the walk-in shower.

An amusing piece of art features Andrew at different stages in his life.

Even the rugs were designed and made specifically for the entry and the living room.

Walker says 80 year old Tennessee textile artist Arlyn Ende came to the house, saw the space and came up with the design to work with the mural and other pieces in his home.  Ende has other works of art she’s created in the Tennessee State Museum.

So where does Walker spend most of his time when at home?  He prefers the study, near his kitchen,  surrounded by his books, where he can also appreciate the paintings and other art.

From his couch, Walker can look at a humorous painting of what he calls the “vegetable dog.” Walker saw the piece done by a Spanish painter on the cover of Nashville Arts Magazine and found out where to purchase it.

In the adjoining room is a compelling statue of “Daphne Becoming,” done by Larry Megill of Nashville who died in 2004.  It is based on Greek mythology.

The pose represents her turning into a tree after praying to the river God to protect her from Apollo.

And I can’t leave out this fascinating piece in Walker’s basement;  would you believe it’s made of film negatives thrown out by a hospital and picked up by a Chicago artist who painted them?

But I think my favorite has to be the mural in the front foyer with so much light dancing in through the large windows.  And my guess is it’s Andrew and Rachel’s preferred lounging spot too.

Thanks to Henry, Andrew and Rachel for the tour.

As always, I’m glad you found Stylish Retreats, and hope you’ll share it with friends who, like us, enjoy seeing unusual and beautiful homes!