while in philly a few weeks back, i went to the barnes foundation for the first time. there, the art is displayed in the traditional salon style where several pieces are hung above, below and next to each other. it's eye-opening to experience such a magnificent collection in person, where there is a seurat hanging next to a cezanne in a pretty small and intimate space. barnes called these unique displays "wall ensembles" which he changed often through out his life. he also collected antique jewelry, pottery, tapestries and furniture. the juxtapositions of these objects were meant to train the viewer to look closely at the art. also hung above the works of art are interesting metal hinges in varying shapes and sizes -- these were my absolute favorite of his collections. and if i ever design a jewelry line, i'll be revisiting these for inspiration.

door hinge // 18th - 19th century // united states, pennsylvania iron

door hinge // late 18th century - early 19th century // united states // iron — door hinge // late 18th century - early 19th century // united states // iron

double hinge // 18th century // united states // iron

door hinge // 18th - 19th century // france // iron

door hinge // 18th century // united states // iron

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