Rare Photos of Gardner Hale's Mural Paintings in a Long Island Home

“A true cosmopolitan spirit, Gardner Hale combined the training and aesthetics of Europe with the soul and spirit of America. In everything he did the spirit of decoration was emphasized.” 

This is how Frank Crowninshield, the popular editor of Vanity Fair and a noted art collector himself, described artist Gardner Hale.

 Here are some photos that have resurfaced of Gardner’s exquisite work for a home in Long Island, New York around 1918. Gardner is credited for reintroducing the art of mural painting to America. He study extensively in Europe, but returned to New York in 1917. He was interested in the use of frescos in modern American homes where cement and concrete were being used as the new fashion during that time. He believed these houses should be decorated inside and outside with color. Gardner was the most enthusiastic about a commission that would allow him large wall spaces in which to work. He insisted on grinding his colors, which he always prepared himself to insure the best purity and luminosity.

A Recap of the Myra Bairstow’s Myth Series

El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale

In the 1930s, Dorothy Hale was an actress, living in New York City. At age 33, on October 21, 1938, she was found dead on the sidewalk outside of her NYC apartment. Her death was ruled a suicide. On November 1, 1938, Dorothy’s friend, Clare Boothe Luce met famed surrealist Frida Kahlo at the Julien Levy Gallery. Clare hired Frida to paint a portrait of Dorothy as a gift for Dorothy’s grieving mother. Instead of a portrait, Frida painted an eerie rendition of Dorothy’s death. Clare was horrified by the painting, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” and had sections of the canvas repainted. The picture was sent to storage for nearly thirty years. In the 1960s the painting resurfaced and was given to the Phoenix Art Museum by an ‘anonymous donor’.

Author and art scholar, Myra Bairstow became intrigued with the painting and began exploring the life and death of Dorothy Hale. Her research unearthed numerous mysteries and mistruths about Dorothy Hale. The following is a recap of Myra’s “Myth Series” that details Clare Luce’s inconsistent quotes and incorrect narratives about Dorothy Hale.

In Myth #1, we learned that Clare commissioned Frida Kahlo to paint a portrait of Dorothy for her grieving mother. Here is what Mrs. Luce said in Hayden Herrera’s biography of Frida Kahlo, “Suddenly it came to me that a portrait of Dorothy by a famous painter friend might be something her poor mother might like to have. I said so, and Kahlo thought so too. I asked the price, Kahlo told me, and I said, ‘Go ahead. Send the portrait to me when it is finished. I will then send it on to Dorothy’s mother.’ say: The inaccuracy with Clare Luce’s statement is that Dorothy’s mother had died when Dorothy was 16 years old. Dorothy’s father never remarried.
View: Myth #1

In Myths #2 and #3, we discussed the alleged suicide note left only to Clare. As Clare stated in Hayden Herrera’s biography of Frida Kahlo, “The only message she {Dorothy} had left in the apartment was a note addressed to me. She thanked me for my friendship and asked me to see that her mother, who lived in upstate New York, was notified so that arrangements could be made to have her buried in the family plot.” Again, the inaccuracy with Clare Luce’s statement is that Dorothy’s mother was not living when Dorothy died . In addition, Dorothy’s family never lived in upstate New York—they lived in Pennsylvania.
View: Myth #2, Myth #3

In Myth #4, it was continuously stated that Dorothy resided in a “top-story” suite in the Hampshire House in New York City. In fact, Dorothy lived at Hampshire House, but in a studio apartment on the 16th floor.
View: Myth #4

In Myths #5 and #6, Myra further explores the relationship between Dorothy and Roosevelt advisor, Harry Hopkins. In Clare’s interviews about Dorothy, she insinuated that Dorothy committed suicide after FDR ordered Hopkins to end his relationship with Dorothy. Interestingly enough, Dorothy was seeing another man before her untimely death. In interviews with Dorothy’s family members, Myra discovered the family believed that Dorothy was the one to break off the relationship with Hopkins.
View: Myth #5, Myth #6

In Myths #7 and #8, Clare expressed her distaste with Dorothy’s supposed lavish spending and did not want to attend the farewell party Dorothy was throwing for herself. Clare declined and told Dorothy to wear her “old Madame X black velvet” dress. last sentence--instead: Interestingly, Dorothy was hosting a party for Ambassador Laurence Steinhardt, not for herself. She was not wearing an old ‘Madame X’ dress, but a new dress she had recently purchased.
View: Myth #7, Myth #8

Myths Photo Gallery 

Clare Boothe Luce	Dorothy Hale
Frida Kahlo	The note from Frida to Clare Boothe Luce
Receipt for black evening gown	Portion of the Montreal Gazette
Harry Hopkins, TIME Magazine July 1938	FDR (left) with Harry Hopkins (right)

Gardner Hale’s Art Studio at 23 Charlton Street, New York City

Gardner Hale, Dorothy’s husband, was famous for popularizing the fresco revival in the United States in the early 1900s. During the 1920s, his New York City studio was located at 23 Charlton Street - an area in New York City that is still known for its creative residents and art galleries. 

Gardner Hale’s Art Studio at 23 Charlton Street, NYC, NY

 In this letter to Mary Fanton Roberts, a journalist at the time, he expresses his hopes of explaining the term “fresco” to the world in an article. He also invites her to a cocktail hour at his and Dorothy’s apartment on Upper East Side.

Archive of American Art

Dorothy and Gardner Hale’s New York City Apartment Building

Dorothy and Gardner Hale lived at 240 East 79th Street in New York City after they were married. The Upper East Side building is located between Second and Third Avenues. As you can see, the Art Deco-style facade has been maintained and is in excellent condition.

Dorothy Hale’s Old Madame X Dress - Myth Number Eight

When Dorothy was found dead on October 21, 1938, she was wearing a black evening gown. In Myth Number Seven, it is discussed that Clare Boothe Luce told Dorothy she looked best in her 'old Madame X black velvet.' The black gown Dorothy was found in was not 'old.' She had purchased the dress in early October, 1938 from designer Mabel McIlvain Downs. Here is the receipt for the dress.

Original receipt for black evening gown

The Artistically Paralleled Lives of Dorothy Hale and Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo and Dorothy Hale Were Both Married to Artists That Profoundly Contributed to the Revival of Fresco Painting: Diego Rivera and Gardner Hale

Diego Rivera (1886 - 1957) needs no introduction. He is considered one of the greatest Mexican artist of the 20th century, along with his extraordinary wife Frida Kahlo. Among Rivera’s many contributions to the international art world is his work in fresco painting. Fresco consists of painting on fresh plaster with colors ground in water only. At an early age, Rivera studied painting throughout Europe and was inspired by the Renaissance Frescoes of Italy. He chose this demanding and difficult medium which allowed him to express his passion for history, politics and humanity in a grand scale with murals for the public.

Gardner Hale

In the late 1920s, Chicago-born Gardner Gale (1894 -1931) would not have needed an introduction. He was considered one of the youngest and foremost painters in the revival of fresco painting in America. Married to Dorothy Donovan Hale, Gardner was also known for his portrait paintings and unique interior designs. Tragically, Gardner Hale died at age 37 on December 28, 1931 in an automobile accident. Gardner and Dorothy were temporarily living in California because he had been commissioned to paint several murals throughout the state.

Gardner Hale’s father was the noted professor, William Gardner Hale, who served as the first director of the American School of Classical Studies in Rome. His mother, Harriet Swinburne Hale, was a direct descendent of the poet Swinburne.

Like Diego Rivera, Gardner Hale began painting at an early age. In his youth, Gardner was tutored in Rome due to his father’s work. He also studied in Chicago and at the Academie Julien in Paris.

'Descent from the Cross, In a chapel at Pau, France.

Hale’s work in the medium of fresco was commissioned throughout France, Italy and London, but he insisted on bringing the neglected art of true fresco to America. His famous murals were in the merchants trust building in Chicago, the famous Cloud Club in the Chrysler building in New York City and throughout affluent homes in America.

Jose´ Clemente Orozco, who never personally met Gardner Hale, expressed his deepest respect and appreciation for the young painter’s art upon Hale’s tragic and premature death.

Featured in a 1927 issue of ‘House & Garden’.
"The striking wall decorations of this bathroom are not painted in oils but executed in that great medium of the Renaissance—fresco. The dado is marbleized and finished at the tip to represent a shelf. This delightful bathtub niche is in the Paris residence of Mrs. Selma Lewisohn and was painted by Gardner Hale."

The Hampshire House, NYC, Dorothy Hale's 1938 Residence Immortalized On Canvas By Frida Kahlo

The phrase “Dedicated to Yesterday’s Charm and Today’s Convenience” is etched in stone and hangs proudly by the front entrance of the famed New York City skyscraper the Hampshire House, where Dorothy Hale lived until her untimely death in 1938. It still remains one of the most recognizable and historical landmarks in the Big Apple.

Located at 150 Central Park South, the Hampshire House boasts old-world allure and yesterday’s charm and has been called “home” by many notable socialites and celebrities, including Greta Garbo and Luciano Pavarotti.

On that cold morning of October 21, 1938 Dorothy Hale was found dead on the sidewalk in front of her apartment building at the Hampshire House. Just weeks later, she would be immortalized in Frida Kahlo’s famous painting of her “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale.”

To this day, the Hampshire House remains one of New York City’s most famous landmarks and sought-after properties due to its locale to Central Park and 5th Avenue.

Was There Really An Engagement Between Harry Hopkins And Dorothy Hale Or Was It A Short-Lived Relationship? Myth Number 6

Harry Hopkins, TIME Magazine July 1938

In July 1938, TIME magazine reported that WPA Administrator Harry Hopkins said “it is nobody’s god damn business” whether he was engaged to Dorothy Donovan Hale. Popular newspapers of the day began reporting on a possible engagement in March, 1938. Even LIFE magazine ran a blurb in its May edition.

The engagement was never confirmed by Harry Hopkins nor by Dorothy Hale. However, when Dorothy died on October 21, 1938 at age thirty-three, it was rumored by her friend Clare Boothe Luce that she committed suicide because Hopkins broke off their relationship. The Donovan family strongly disagreed with Luce and were confused by the many inaccurate statements made by Luce about Dorothy. The niece of Dorothy Hale said the family never accepted Dorothy’s death as a suicide. The Donovan family believed Dorothy broke off the relationship with Harry Hopkins.

Clare Boothe Luce Said Harry Hopkins Broke Off His Relationship With Dorothy Hale--Or Did He? Myth Number Five

FDR and Harry Hopkins

“Those in the know in Washington said that FDR had ordered Harry Hopkins to end his affair with Dorothy, and to marry instead Lou Macy, a close friend of the Roosevelts, which Hopkins did. Most of the gossip columnists made it brutally clear that Dorothy had been jilted.”
Clare Boothe Luce

Dorothy Hale died on October 21, 1938. Harry Hopkins, advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt, did not meet Lou Macy until the 1940s. This was over two years after Dorothy died. Harry Hopkins did eventually marry Lou Macy, but this was long after Dorothy's death.

In her famous interview about Dorothy Hale and the Frida Kahlo painting, Clare Luce insinuated that Dorothy committed suicide because Harry Hopkins broke off their relationship. The family of Dorothy Hale never believed she intended to marry Harry Hopkins. Dorothy’s father thought it was Dorothy who ended the relationship with Hopkins. Interestingly, Dorothy was seeing another man at the time of her death.

Myra Bairstow

info@dorothyhale.com

Quotes and Passages from “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera

Clare Boothe Luce, Who Commissioned a Portrait of Dorothy Donovan Hale, said She Received the Only Note Left by Dorothy Before Her Alleged Suicide—or Did She? Myth Number Three: The Suicide Note (Part Two)

Clare Boothe Luce

Clare Boothe Luce gave an exclusive interview about Dorothy Hale and the painting entitled ‘The Suicide of Dorothy Hale’ to renowned Frida Kahlo scholar and author, Hayden Herrera. Mrs. Luce said, “The only message she {Dorothy} had left in the apartment was a note addressed to me. She thanked me for my friendship and asked me to see that her mother, who lived in upstate New York was notified so that arrangements could be made to have her buried in the family plot.”

As discussed in “Myth Two: The Suicide Note (Part One),” Dorothy’s mother died when Dorothy was just sixteen years old.

Several Inconsistencies in Clare Boothe Luce’s Account of Dorothy’s Family

In addition to Dorothy’s mother being dead at the time of her daughter’s death, Mrs. Luce said her mother lived in upstate New York. Dorothy’s family never lived in upstate New York. They were from Pennsylvania.

Quotes and Passages from “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera

Myra Bairstow
info@dorothyhale.com 

Clare Boothe Luce, Who Commissioned a Portrait of Dorothy Donovan Hale, Said She Received the Only Note Left by Dorothy Before Her Alleged Suicide— or Did She? Myth Number Two: The Suicide Note (Part One)

Clare Boothe Luce

This is the story recorded in history: Frida Kahlo’s painting, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale) was commissioned by Clare Boothe Luce who said she received the only note left by Dorothy Hale before her alleged suicide. Mrs. Luce gave an exclusive interview about Dorothy and the painting to renowned Frida Kahlo scholar and author, Hayden Herrera. Here is what Mrs. Luce said, “The only message she {Dorothy} had left in the apartment was a note addressed to me. She thanked me for my friendship and asked me to see that her mother, who lived in upstate New York, was notified so that arrangements could be made to have her buried in the family plot.”

As I discussed in my previous post: “Frida Kahlo’s “The Suicide of Dorothy Hale” was Commissioned as a Gift for Dorothy’s Grieving Mother — Or Was It? Myth Number One”, I researched the life and death of Dorothy Donovan Hale beyond the one interview given by Mrs. Luce. I was shocked to learn that Dorothy’s mother had died when Dorothy was sixteen years old. I would later learn, after meeting members of the Donovan family, Dorothy’s father never remarried.

The note that Mrs. Luce said Dorothy left her before allegedly committing suicide, is another puzzling myth. Dorothy’s mother was dead at the time of Dorothy’s death. This follows the same inaccurate statement that was discussed in “Myth One” when Mrs. Luce said she commissioned the painting as a gift for Dorothy’s grieving mother.

When I first spoke to members of the Donovan family, they were perplexed and frustrated that Mrs. Luce had left behind these inaccuracies about Dorothy and her mother that are now recorded in countless books, articles and websites that chronicle the painting. As Dorothy Hale’s niece said to me many times, “My Aunt Dorothy deserves the respect of correct information.”

Myra Bairstow
info@dorothyhale.com

Quotes and Passages from “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera

Frida Kahlo’s “The Suicide of Dorothy Hale” was Commissioned as a Gift for Dorothy’s Grieving Mother—Or Was It? Myth Number One

This is the story recorded in history: Frida Kaho’s painting “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale) was commissioned as a gift for Dorothy’s grieving mother. Clare Boothe Luce, who commissioned the painting, gave an exclusive interview about Dorothy Hale and the painting to renowned Frida Kahlo scholar and author, Hayden Herrera. Here is what Mrs. Luce said, “Suddenly it came to me that a portrait of Dorothy by a famous painter friend might be something her poor mother might like to have. I said so, and Kahlo thought so too. I asked the price, Kahlo told me, and I said, ‘Go ahead. Send the portrait to me when it is finished. I will then send it on to Dorothy’s mother.’

Clare Boothe Luce

Initially, I never doubted the account of Clare Boothe Luce. In fact, I was moved by the thoughtful gesture of Mrs. Luce and I admired her sensitivity. One of her dearest friends, Dorothy Hale, had allegedly committed suicide. Mrs. Luce was very kind to think of Dorothy Hale’s mother and orchestrate a memorial painting of her late daughter. I was personally saddened and shocked when I learned otherwise.

What did Dorothy's Mother Think of the Painting that Clare Commissioned?

Again, it was not that I questioned Mrs. Luce’s account. Instead, I was drawn to the painting and wanted to know more about Dorothy Hale and her friendship with Clare Luce and Frida Kahlo. I wanted to know about Dorothy’s mother and what she thought of the painting. I began to explore Dorothy’s life.

I was stunned to learn that Dorothy Hale’s mother died when Dorothy was sixteen years old.

I would later confirm that Dorothy’s father never remarried and that Dorothy’s family did not know Clare Boothe Luce.

Dispelling the Contradictions and Myths Recorded about the Life and Death of Dorothy Hale

There are an enormous number of books, articles, and web sites that discuss the painting, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale). Understandably, they reference Mrs. Luce’s account and have recorded that the painting was commissioned as a gift for the grieving mother of Dorothy Hale.

Now is the time to correct the inaccuracies surrounding Dorothy Hale and the painting. As I lecture and also work on a book about Dorothy Hale and the brilliant Frida Kahlo painting of her, it is a pleasure to begin sharing my research and dispelling the myths told about her. Early in my research it was important to me to find the family of Dorothy Hale and listen to their story. It has been a privileged to know members of the Donovan family. As Dorothy Hale’s very own niece wrote many years ago: “My aunt deserves the respect of correct information.”

Myra Bairstow
info@dorothyhale.com

Quotes and Passages from “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera

The Suicide of Dorothy Hale - Myths & Rumors

Beginning this month, Myra Bairstow will be addressing and dispelling certain rumors and myths regarding the life and death of Dorothy Hale - and the famous Frida Kahlo painting "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale" - in several blog installments.

We encourage you to submit your comments or myths to info@dorothyhale.com or simply comment in the comment area below or post on the Official Dorothy Hale Facebook wall at facebook.com/pages/Dorothy-Hale/296072857126402. If you're question is selected, we'll notify you and post your question and answer on the Official Dorothy Hale Blog.

Watch the Final Frida Kahlo Webisode about "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale" Painting, Researched & Discussed by Myra Bairstow

Lacma Lecture: Frida Kahlo And Dorothy Hale

I would like to thank the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and especially Dr. Ilene Susan Fort for inviting me to lecture in conjunction with their current exhibition "In Wonderland:  The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States".  Presenting my talk, "Frida Kahlo's Portrait of Dorothy Hale:  Dreams, Dramas and Revelations", was a wonderful experience.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my research on Dorothy Hale and Frida Kahlo's painting of her, "Suicide of Dorothy Hale".  I was especially inspired by the amazing audience.  I enjoyed answering your questions and meeting so many of you after the presentation.

I will be posting video snippets from the lecture soon on The Official Dorothy Hale YouTube Channel, Facebook, web site and on this blog.

New Revelations on Frida Kahlo's Painting "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale"

Lecture to be Presented at Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will host a lecture by noted author and playwright, Myra Bairstow, titled “Frida Kahlo’s Portrait of Dorothy Hale: Dreams, Dramas and Revelations.” The lecture will take place on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 2 p.m., at the Bing Theatre and stems from the untold story that has unfolded during her research of Kahlo’s legendary painting of Dorothy Hale, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale.”

Bairstow will present groundbreaking revelations on Hale’s life and death that were discovered while researching the Kahlo painting and its background for over a decade. Until now, the only story told about “The Suicide of Dorothy Hale” was given exclusively to Kahlo biographer Hayden Herrera by Clare Boothe Luce, who commissioned the painting. The account from Luce, reprinted throughout the world in countless books, articles and on websites that chronicle the painting, is shockingly inaccurate.

The lecture will reveal never-before-seen documents, letters and photos, and Bairstow will impart stunning contradictions that raise pertinent questions regarding the alleged suicide of Hale. Questions regarding the alleged suicide note received by Luce, the White House involvement by two officials of the Roosevelt Administration as well as what admissions the family of Hale reserves regarding her death.

This lecture is made possible by the support of LACMA and will be presented in conjunction with the special exhibition “In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States” now showing through May 6, 2012.

Myra Bairstow is a New York-based author, playwright and art curator. For nearly a decade, Bairstow has been researching the life and death of actress Dorothy Hale. For more information about her research and findings, visit the official Dorothy Hale web site at http://www.dorothyhale.com.