Winchester Mystery House Centennial Speaker Series: Why WMH Looks the Way it Does

House Historian, Janan Boehme returned in November for the final Centennial Speaker Series to discuss art for art’s sake, or more acturately…why WMH looks the way it does.

Centennial Speaker Series Topic: Why WMH Looks the Way it Does with Janan Boehme

Little did I know that this would be our final presentation in the series. Many thanks as always to Courtney and Noelle for being my speaker sidekicks on this last round. I loved attending these, but it was always so much more fun to have someone come with me to talk about the subject afterwards. Naturally, we were in for a treat as Janan was once again behind the podium to talk about Sarah’s history.

Art for Art’s Sake

If you had missed all the previous centennial talks regarding the architecture and art influences found in the house, this was the perfect summary of all those discussions throughout the year. Janan discussed several movements of the time that left their mark on the house including the aesthetic and Japonisme movements, and the growing popularity of applying motifs and decorative arts. I could go into more detail, but I encourage you to click on the images of the slides above for the best summary of each point. Can you point out the influence each one left in the house?

My Takeaway from the Centennial Speaker Series with Janan Boehme

Although several of these points mentioned were covered in great detail in prior talks, I greatly enjoyed the review of these different trends happening all around the same time. It was fascinating to see the cross-over of these different movements and realizing that them all culminating at once contributed to the amazing architecture that remains today.

Craving More from Janan Boehme?

In case I didn’t mention it already, Janan is the house historian for the Winchester Mystery House. If there’s something on the property that is history-focused, it is almost certain that Janan had a hand in piecing it together. Be sure to swing by the gift shop and check out the lovely little room up the stairs just to the left when you first enter. It is an in-depth exhibit of the house’s history with all the fun details I cannot do justice to. Plus! It is complete with beautiful artifacts and memorabilia from over the past 100 years.

What else can be discovered beyond the Centennial Speaker Series at Winchester Mystery House?

Below you will find other posts I’ve written regarding the Winchester Mystery House’s assorted experiences and educational programs. At Llanda Villa, there is always something new to learn! More often than not, I like to think myself one of the first in line to attend.