Winchester Mystery House Centennial Speaker Series: Brian Colman & Nicole Mullen

In March, I returned to the Winchester Mystery House for another Centennial Speaker Series featuring Brian Colman and Nicole Mullen. The previous series I attended discussed the windows of the house. This series discussed the popular Japonisme movement during the Victorian era and where that influence is throughout Llanda Villa. (If you’re new here, this is what Sarah called the Winchester Mystery House.)

For the most part, Centennial Speaker series took place in the carriage house. However, due to another event, this particular one was in the unfinished ballroom. A lovely change for the occasion. Nicole Mullen and Brian Colman briefly introduced themselves and co-presented the topic. They quickly jumped into the subject matter complete with a definition of Japanisme, a timeline of it’s influence and a plethora of photos.

Centennial Speaker Series Topic: Japonisme – A Passion for Japan

In 1854, Japan opened itself to the world and it has never been the same. From modest artists like Vincent Van Gogh to luxury design houses like Tiffany and Co., it inspired the European world. The World’s Faire both at London in 1862 and at Philadelphia in 1876 allowed people to see what was happening around the world. Art pieces like the first manga by Katsushika Hokusai and pieces from silver smith jeweler, Kichigoro Uyeda were on display. Christopher Dresser drew his designs freely from these Eastern artisans. He imitated their a-symmetric designs and utilized their nature illustrations of florals, birds and insects. His furniture designs grew popular amongst Victorians. The demand quickly grew to bring these pieces into the home to celebrate Japan’s beauty. It was possible to adorn an entire home from ceiling panels to textured wallpapers to decorative tiles. The Japonisme influence did not exclude Llanda Villa.

Japanisme and It’s Influence on the Winchester Mystery House

Today, you don’t even need to step inside to see its influence. Sunbursts are throughout the gardens and external architecture. These were among the first renovations made by Sarah to the original farmhouse. Once you wander inside, the textured wallpapers, called “lincresta”, pull strong Eastern influences. Their imagery includes floating gingko leaves to repeating asymmetrical patterns found on the walls of Sarah’s bedroom. We may even have this movement to thank for all of the cobwebs found throughout the property. If you want to see where Japanisme lives strongest, just visit Marion’s bedroom. By comparison, this room’s eastern influence is obvious from the lacquered bamboo fireplace to the hand-painted water lily wallpaper.

My Takeaway from the Centennial Speaker Series with Colman & Mullen

It fascinated me that there is a museum in the SFO airport free for travelers to visit. I had no clue this was even a thing! Nichole Mullen has been curating the Terminal 2 museum exhibits for many years and her passion is obvious. Brian Colman was clearly proud of the pieces he’d been collecting and excited to share his contributions to this exhibit. As noted above, I learned many interesting things regarding the design aesthetics. My ears heard an unspoken scavenger hunt challenge. However, I will say that this particular series hit at a sort of 50/50 for me. In truth, the artworks and pieces presented were beautiful. There is no deny it. Especially if you have an admiration for Japanese culture and art.

Unfortunately, it did feel like this presentation felt more like a “look at our collection” kind of talk. At one point in particular, the speakers admitted that Tiffany and Co. had outright stolen designs of Japanese artists to profit from. Not only was there a lack of deeper discussion about this fact, but also a bragging over the pieces made. I’m not sure if I’m making my thoughts on this clear. Nonetheless, it really bothered me that most of the time was fawning over imitation pieces in the collection. Perhaps my own artistic perrogative was interjecting on this one.

Craving More from Brian Colman & Nichole Mullen?

Robin is a curator of SFO’s museum and you can read more about this particular exhibit on the museum website. When you explore the exhibit’s gallery, you can view each piece contributed by Brian Colman.

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.