DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum | Williamsburg

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a distinguished cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of British and American fine and decorative arts from the 17th through the 19th centuries. It forms a vital part of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, alongside the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and together these institutions provide an expansive view into early American material culture and artistic heritage.

Origins and Founding

The museum owes its existence largely to the philanthropic vision of DeWitt Wallace, the co-founder of Reader’s Digest, and his wife Lila Bell Acheson Wallace. In 1985, with their substantial donation of $12 million, the museum was established to expand Colonial Williamsburg’s ability to display and interpret its vast collection of decorative arts. The museum was constructed adjacent to and connected by an underground concourse to the historic 1773 Public Hospital building, which was carefully restored as part of the project.

This founding marked a pivotal moment in the expansion of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural offerings, providing a dedicated space designed to house some of the finest examples of furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles, glass, paintings, and other decorative objects from the colonial and early American periods.

Architecture and Expansion

The museum’s design respects its colonial context while offering modern gallery spaces that allow for versatile exhibition layouts. Its location near the historic district enables visitors to seamlessly integrate a visit to the museum with exploring Colonial Williamsburg’s historic buildings and sites.

In 2006, the museum was expanded and joined by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, creating a combined cultural complex focused on American material culture. Later, in 2019, a major $40 million expansion project added approximately 65,000 square feet of gallery space, storage, and visitor facilities, including a new street-level entrance on Nassau Street, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.

Collections

The museum’s collections are among the most comprehensive of their kind, with particular strengths in Southern furniture and silver. The artifacts provide a detailed lens through which to explore the social history, craftsmanship, and artistic tastes of colonial and early America.

Furniture

The museum is renowned for holding the nation’s largest collection of Southern furniture. This includes distinctive pieces made in Virginia, North Carolina, and other southern colonies, illustrating regional styles shaped by available materials, skilled artisans, and evolving consumer preferences. Among the prized items are Philadelphia high chests of drawers, notable for their fine craftsmanship and elegant proportions, and a Williamsburg clothes press made by the esteemed cabinetmaker Peter Scott.

These pieces showcase woodworking techniques, decorative carving, and finish that reflect the merging of European design principles with American innovation.

Silver

The silver collection is among the museum’s highlights, particularly celebrated for the exhibition “Silver from Mine to Masterpiece.” It features approximately 170 items crafted by some of the most renowned silversmiths of the period, including Paul Revere, Paul de Lamerie, and Hester Bateman. The collection traces silver’s journey from raw ore to refined artistry, displaying a variety of forms such as spoons, tankards, teapots, and intricate serving pieces.

This collection not only demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic creativity but also reflects social customs surrounding dining, display, and wealth.

Ceramics

The ceramics collection is vast, encompassing more than 10,000 objects that include British slipware, delftware, salt-glazed stoneware, and fine porcelain such as Chelsea porcelain. The collection also features American-made earthenware and stoneware, reflecting the development of local production alongside imports.

Through these objects, the museum reveals shifts in consumer behavior, technological advances in pottery-making, and the cultural significance of ceramics in daily and ceremonial contexts.

Textiles, Glass, Paintings, and Other Decorative Arts

In addition to furniture, silver, and ceramics, the museum holds important collections of textiles, glassware, paintings, prints, tools, and weapons. These items collectively offer a broad understanding of the material culture of the period, illuminating fashion, interior decoration, and the social and economic milieu of colonial and early American life.

Paintings and prints enrich the narrative by depicting portraits of colonial elites, landscapes, and scenes that contextualize the decorative arts within their historical settings.

Notable Exhibitions

The museum regularly curates exhibitions that explore specialized themes within its collections and broader historical contexts. For instance:

“I Made This …”: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans explores the artistic contributions of Black creators from the colonial period to more recent history. Featuring works by artists such as David Drake and Bill Traylor, the exhibition highlights personal stories and cultural legacies often overlooked in traditional art history narratives.

“Silver from Mine to Masterpiece” provides a comprehensive look at silver objects, tracing their raw origins through to finished works of art, revealing craftsmanship and social customs.

“Revolution in Taste” examines changing consumer tastes influenced by global trade networks, demonstrating how imported goods shaped colonial American lifestyles.

Charlton’s Coffeehouse offers a detailed look into the architectural and social history of a significant colonial social space, combining archaeological findings with decorative arts.

Educational and Cultural Role

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum functions not only as a repository of objects but also as an educational resource. Through guided tours, lectures, workshops, and interactive programs, it helps visitors engage deeply with the cultural and historical significance of the decorative arts.

The museum’s focus on authenticity and research ensures that its exhibitions are grounded in scholarship while accessible to a broad audience. It contributes to ongoing dialogues about American identity, cultural heritage, and the intersection of art, history, and society.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the museum enjoy a thoughtfully designed space that balances historical atmosphere with modern amenities. The museum offers a café and a gift shop where patrons can purchase books, reproductions, and art-related items.

Admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible cultural destination for tourists, students, and residents alike. Its location near Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district encourages comprehensive exploration of early American history and culture.

Summary

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum stands as a leading institution dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of British and American decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries. Founded through the generosity of the Wallaces, expanded with a vision for educational outreach, and housing nationally significant collections, the museum offers an immersive experience into early American material culture.

Through its extensive holdings of furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles, and more, it illuminates the craftsmanship, aesthetics, and social dynamics of colonial and early United States history. Its exhibitions, research, and programs deepen public understanding of this heritage, making it a cornerstone for appreciation of America’s artistic and cultural foundations.