FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          March 28, 2007

                                                                                                  
Contact:                                              Morgan Devlin                                 

                                                          Newport Restoration Foundation         

                                                          401-849-7300 x14                           

                                                          morgan@newportrestoration.org       

 

Tiffany and Co. Antique Silver Swan Now on Display at Rough Point

 

(Newport, RI) — Rough Point, The Newport home of late heiress Doris Duke, recently acquired a sterling silver swan centerpiece made by Tiffany and Co. in 1874. This ornamental swan was donated by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation which manages the large and influential charitable grant programs established by Miss Duke and preserves her legacy through the support of her properties. Now a part of Rough Point’s extensive collection of fine and decorative arts, the swan will be on display in the mansion’s dining room.

 

Originally created for display at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Tiffany and Co. swan may be the only example in existence. At one time, the swan was available on order from the maker and various styles of ornamentation could be specified. Decorated in a style that is commonly associated with the Arts of India, the swan has an open body and back and is covered with tassels, beads, and scrolls styled in geometric patterns. Miss Duke purchased the decoration at a Sotheby’s auction in 1988, and often took it with her from house to house where it was used as an elegant table centerpiece to display flowers. In 2001 the swan was prominently featured in the book, Magnificent Tiffany Silver, by John Loring.

 

Rough Point was willed to the Newport Restoration Foundation by Doris Duke upon her death in 1993 with the request that it be opened to the public as a museum. Founded by Miss Duke in 1968, the Newport Restoration Foundation, a non-profit institution, was formed for the purpose of preserving, interpreting, and maintaining landscape and objects reflecting Aquidneck Island’s 18th and 19th century architectural culture.  The foundation continues to be actively engaged in educational efforts, scholarly research and historic preservation.

Rough Point will be open for the 2007 season from April 12–November 10. From April 12 - May 12, tours are offered Thursday-Saturday from 9:45 am - 1:45 pm.  From May 15 - November 10, a full schedule is offered Tuesday-Saturday from 9:45 am - 3:45 pm.  Tickets cost $25 for adults.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  Advance reservations are can be made online at www.newportrestoration.org. 

 

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