Miniature Rooms: The Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago [Hardcover]

Fannia Weingartner (Author), Bruce Hatton Boyer (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2009 | Series: Art Institute of Chicago

The Thorne Rooms, sixty-eight miniature models of European interiors from the sixteenth century on and American furnishings from the seventeenth century on, have entranced generations of visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago. This charming book showcases these rooms, featuring full-color views of each one as well as eight two-page spreads of some of the most spectacular interiors.The introductory essay by Bruce Hatton Boyer chronicles how Chicago socialite Mrs. James Ward Thorne conceived the rooms. They were made between 1934 and 1940 by a number of skilled craftsmen according to her exacting specifications. Many of the rooms were inspired by specific interiors in historic houses, palaces, and sites Mrs. Thorne visited during her travels, and Fannia Weingartner's individual commentaries provide information about each one. In addition, a number of Mrs. Thorne's original drawings are reproduced to actual scale.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The late Fannia Weingartner was the editor of Chicago History and the head of the publications office at the Chicago Historical Society (now the Chicago History Museum). Bruce Hatton Boyer is a historian and novelist.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Art Institute of Chicago; 2nd edition (January 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300141599
• ISBN-13: 978-0300141597
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 10.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Folk Art

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MINIATURE ROOMS ...THE THORNE ROOMS, March 11, 2009

By 

James V. Damiani "MINIATURIST" (WEST MILFORD , NEW JERSEY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Miniature Rooms: The Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago (Hardcover)

INVALUEABLE FOR THE SERIOUS MINIATURIST, BUT NO MENTION OF THE BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING AT ALL THROUGHOUT THE BOOK!!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, March 11, 2011

By 

Kevin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Miniature Rooms: The Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago (Hardcover)

I received this book today and I was so excited to start reading it. I have to say the wording sucks you into the book and you don't want to stop reading. I found myself just wanting to read more about the rooms and see what pictures where on the next page. The only thing I really would change about the book is more detail pictures of the rooms but overall the book is wonderful. Its a definite for any one interested in Interior history of English, French, and American rooms and just miniatures in general!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the wonder of the Thorne Rooms, September 26, 2011

By 

TeaCatty (Lancaster, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miniature Rooms: The Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago (Hardcover)

I bought this book after visiting the wonderful Thorne Rooms in person. The pictures are beautiful and show the amazing room details with surprising clarity. The accompanying text is engaging and informative. A great book for anyone who like me wants to enjoy the Thorne Rooms at home or who has any interest in miniatures.