Hadley Family Heirlooms

One of my weekend chores was to go through stacks of old magazines- a fun endeavor, actually, as I oftentimes find articles that had completely slipped my mind. Case in point, this Albert Hadley project that was featured in the March/April 2001 issue of Veranda.

This particular project was very personal to Hadley for a few reasons. First, the client was his sister, Betty Ann, who at the time was embarking on a move from the Hadley homestead in Nashville. Along with Betty Ann came Hadley family heirlooms, including several pieces of Victorian era furniture. While other designers may have seen these family pieces as an albatross, Mr. Hadley thought quite the opposite. To him, these family relics were old friends, and really, who wants to throw out a friend?

Even though I'm still not a fan of Victoriana, in the hands of Mr. Hadley the pieces actually become rather palatable. What strikes me about this home is the fact that it doesn't look too decorated, forced, and stripped of any life, an affliction that seems to affect more and more homes today. What's wrong with hanging on to a few friends from the past, even if it means trotting them out for show in the living room or parlor? Just a little food for thought... in case you didn't have enough of it over the holiday!


The c. 1940 French red-mirrored glass table formerly resided in Hadley's Manhattan apartment. Years ago, he mentioned to his mother that he was thinking of selling the table; Mrs. Hadley told him to please send it to her...and now it resides in Betty Ann's home. The wallpaper is a custom design by Hadley.


Butler's press is 19th c. American. The tureen appears to be Dodie Thayer, and the asparagus stalk tureen is also 20th c.


The Victorian bed, rocking chair, and cupboard-on-chest are all family heirlooms. The framed paper dolls, hung on the jib door, were drawn by Hadley for his sister when they were children.


The decoupage pictures in the guest bedroom are by Susan Crater, granddaughter of Sister Parish and author of the recent "Sister Parish Design". The wallpaper was custom printed from the archives of Albert Hadley Inc.

(All images from March/April 2001 issue of Veranda, Peter Margonelli photographer.)