For decades, the interiors of Bunny Mellon’s homes were legendary – spaces meticulously curated to blend comfort, elegance, and a touch of the unexpected. Now, a new book, The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon: Paintings by Snowy Campbell (Rizzoli), offers an unprecedented glimpse into these private worlds through the eyes of artist Alison “Snowy” Campbell Swain. The book, released this month, showcases over 90 watercolor paintings documenting Mellon’s residences in New York City, Washington D.C., and Upperville, Virginia, offering a rare seem at the aesthetic of a woman who profoundly influenced American style.
Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Lloyd Mellon, a philanthropist, gardener, and close friend of Jackie Kennedy, cultivated a reputation for understated sophistication. Her homes weren’t designed to impress, but rather to envelop visitors in a sense of ease and tranquility. This philosophy is beautifully captured in Campbell’s work, which meticulously details the rooms’ colors, light, and ambiance. The project, initially conceived over half a century ago, remained largely unseen until now, preserved within the archives of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation.
The New York City townhouse, located at 125 East 70th Street, served as a primary residence for the Mellons and is arguably the most opulent of their homes. Spanning 11,000 square feet with eight bedrooms, the mansion nevertheless adhered to Mellon’s signature style – a deliberate avoidance of ostentation. As Paul Mellon once explained, their homes were designed to be “friendly,” where “major works of art live side-by-side with small objects of art, children’s drawings, and bronzes of favorite horses.” This intentional mixing of high and low, formal and informal, created a uniquely inviting atmosphere.
Campbell served as the Mellon family’s live-in artist for six years, beginning in 1970, documenting their homes not only in New York but also in Upperville, Virginia, Washington, D.C., on Cape Cod, and in Antigua. Her watercolors weren’t simply depictions of rooms; they were atmospheric studies, capturing the very essence of Mellon’s design sensibility. The artist’s work remained largely unseen for half a century, residing in the Oak Spring Garden Foundation archives until the recent publication of the book.
Bunny Mellon’s pursuit of comfort extended to a deliberate embrace of imperfection. Truman Capote, in a 1978 interview with Time magazine, recounted how Mellon carried a small pair of scissors in her purse, using them to subtly “snip” at furniture to create a lived-in look. This seemingly unconventional practice underscored her belief that a home should feel authentic and unpretentious, rather than overly polished or new.
The release of The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon provides a unique opportunity to experience Mellon’s world through a fresh lens. Charlotte Moss, in a foreword to the book, notes the increasing value of handmade artistry in a digital age, highlighting how Campbell’s watercolors capture a level of detail and nuance that is increasingly rare. Just as designers Balenciaga and Givenchy translated Mellon’s lifestyle into her wardrobe, Campbell’s paintings translate her aesthetic into a visual record.
Campbell’s own life took a turn when she left her position with the Mellon family to focus on marriage and motherhood. Her luminous paintings, however, remained a testament to her skill and a lasting tribute to Mellon’s impeccable taste. The book’s discovery within the Oak Spring Garden Foundation library was described as a “treasure trove” by librarian Nancy Collins, and a project that was destined to be shared with the public.
Following Mellon’s death in 2014, much of her collection was sold at auction, making access to the original interiors increasingly limited. Veranda notes that the book offers a rare opportunity to revisit these spaces as they were originally conceived, providing invaluable insight for designers and enthusiasts alike.
The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon: Paintings by Snowy Campbell is available for purchase now, priced at $60 at Amazon and $58 at Walmart.
As interest in Bunny Mellon’s life and style continues to grow, this book serves as a vital resource for understanding her enduring influence on American design. The publication of Campbell’s watercolors ensures that Mellon’s vision of comfortable elegance will continue to inspire for generations to reach. What comes next is a deeper exploration of Mellon’s influence on contemporary design, and a renewed appreciation for the art of creating spaces that truly feel like home.
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