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.

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.