T H E C O L L E C T I O N O F D O R R A N C E “ D O D O ” H . H A M I LT O N
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hose lucky enough to have met Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton all attest to her brilliance, kindness, and quiet devotion to the people, institutions and organizations that surrounded her. Mrs. Hamilton created a destiny of her own throughout her eighty-eight year life. A patroness whose interests were manifold, she committed herself to philanthropy and charity everywhere she lived, specifically in the Philadelphia area, where her presence still remains as prolific and widespread as the buildings and organizations that bear her name. A fervent horticulturist, Mrs. Hamilton particularly enjoyed participating in high-level floral championships. She won more than two thousand blue ribbons over the thirty years she competed at the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show. Of all the flowers she collected and looked after, it is probably her orchids—especially her ‘Spread Eagle’ specimen— that remain in the forefront of everyone’s memory. Mrs. Hamilton also played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of the Blue Garden, an iconic landmark of both Newport’s and
America’s cultural history, which she brought back to its original splendor by dint of sheer perseverance and bold conviction. “Dodo,” a nickname chosen by her mother which she embraced throughout her entire life, collected across categories that spoke to her deep and wide-ranging interests, surrounding herself with what she loved without concern for trends. Her collection, comprised of both fine works and whimsical items, served as a visual reminder of her life’s many facets, honoring the things, people, and places she valued most. In each of her residences, specific objects would also remind her of the other places she cherished and called home, blurring any distance created by her physical separation from these locales. Freeman’s is delighted to present the collection of Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton, which includes paintings and prints from highly regarded European and American artists, as well as a selection of Decorative Arts and Fine Jewelry from renowned designers and makers, all reflective of Mrs. Hamilton’s personal style and remarkable character.
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