Reviewed by Jeanne
It seems to me that the past few years Halloween has gained in
popularity, exceeding its October date. Skeletons on mailboxes, boney dog statues
in flowerbeds, dark décor, all seem to defy being limited to a single day or
month. Shops featuring local artists
have pieces featuring bone or simulated skeletons. That prompted me to pick up
this book, The Art of Gothic Living, to learn a bit about what has
sparked this interest.
The book is divided up into fifteen chapters, each one of
which is devoted to one home and the people who have created it. There are wonderful color photographs of various
rooms and in some cases, the outsides of the houses. I noticed in the photos is
the seriousness of the décor. Heavy
drapes, dark wood, statuary, and Victorian patterned rugs and wallpaper were
the first things I noticed, but a closer look revealed real skulls, skeletons,
and a lot of taxidermy.
A LOT of taxidermy.
The reader gets to meet the owners and learn why they selected
various objects, how they chose to display them, and what it means to
them. It’s really quite fascinating, as
they are all serious collectors with a deep appreciation for the items. One couple found a preserved passenger
pigeon, and then searched until they found a second to restore and display together
to give, as owner Laura Bashian puts it, “the respect they deserve as some of
the last specimens of their kind.”
There are many photos of each house, most focused on one or
two objects, with a description of the object included. There is something of
the feel of a movie set about most: the houses are lived in but also have a bit
of museum ambiance. Many have bright colors to better showcase some of the
objects; all have a feel of the dramatic.
The stories about the people and why they collect what they do
were very interesting. Most had one or
two categories they concentrate on; one couple looked for posters and other
material related to sideshows, while another had quite the assortment of spiritual
items, including a séance table and numerous Ouija boards. They all are looking for genuine historic
items, not modern reproductions.
As a packrat and clutterer, I appreciated all the many items
in a room and understood why the owners wanted to display them as they
did. There are some really lovely pieces,
including gorgeous furniture and old framed photographs, carved wooden items,
statuary, knickknacks, and stained glass windows. There was one room I particularly liked, with
lots and lots and lots of old photos but modern couches because the owner said,
“Gothic couches are uncomfortable.” They are also looking for someone with a hydraulic
lift so they can put up even more photographs. I could relate.
I was not enthused about the skeletons and taxidermy, however,
but that’s just my personal taste.
In short, I found this to be a very interesting and
informative book. I especially liked learning some of the history behind the
objects. I’m not going out bone
collecting anytime soon, but at least I understand the impulse now.
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