A Visit to the Brandywine River Museum at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania

Early this spring, my wife and I had a short vacation at Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.  We enjoyed the  east coast in April, when the beach was quiet and the sun was growing warmer each day.  We drove from Southern Ontario to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, taking in the beauty of the countryside in spring and making a few stops along the way.  One short week of relaxation and then it was time to go home once more.

 The old grist mill at the front entrance to the museum

On our return drive, we made a stop at the Brandywine River Museum.  Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.  The museum is located on the banks of Brandywine Creek at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania.

A view that shows the modern gallery complex behind the grist mill

The gallery features the work of many of my all-time favourite artists and illustrators such as Howard Pyle and N. C. Wyeth.  To see this collection of masterful work at this legendary location was one of the top things to do on my 'bucket list'.  I had anticipated just such a visit for many years and I was not disappointed!  Seeing so many paintings and illustrations that I had previously only seen in books and magazines was a dream come true!

 My wife Mary enjoying the multiple works on display in the museum

The roads leading in to the museum location are enchanting themselves, but the old grist mill that fronts the complex, as well as the ultra-modern main structure that has been added on as exhibition space are well worth the visit.  The museum has an undulating glass wall that faces the creek and gives the whole complex a feeling of oneness with nature.  The museum exhibition halls are rustic and simple, with lighting that focuses on the paintings that adorne each wall.  The gift shop is a treasure trove of books and collectible items that feature the art and artists within its walls.  If you are like me and enjoy traditional art that tells a story, this is a place you will want to visit.  I hope to return as often as I can.

One of the many paintings by Howard Pyle

I stand face to face with the artistic icon, N. C. Wyeth