ALL ABOARD THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS
TO A BRANDYWINE CHRISTMAS
(August 2003, #035)


During the 2003 holiday season, the Brandywine River Museum continues a famous tradition as A Brandywine Christmas returns November 28 through January 11 with delightful sights and sounds of the holidays.

Family favorites on display include the museum's extensive model train layout, a Victorian dollhouse, and "critter" ornaments made by the museum's volunteers. This year, A Brandywine Christmas is complemented by the special exhibition, Works by Andrew Wyeth: Art Inspiring Golden Impressions in Jewelry by Donald Pywell.

For many years, works of art by Andrew Wyeth have inspired goldsmith Donald Pywell to create exquisitely-crafted jewelry. This exhibition features necklaces, rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings and sculptural creations by Pywell as well as many of Wyeth's original works of art that served as his inspiration, including Maga's Daughter, May Basket, Tulip Pods, Blackberry Branch, Buttonwood Leaf, Little Africa, Airborne, Arctic Circle and Hornet.

Andrew Wyeth and Donald Pywell collaborated on the initial design for each piece of jewelry. Architectural designer Timothy Cole created the settings for Pywell's creations, which are also based on Wyeth's paintings.

The young and the young at heart will enjoy the large Victorian dollhouse. A century old, Sarah Scaife's dollhouse features all the amenities of a real home: wallpaper, tiny rugs, miniature food, a nursery full of toys, and even its own copy of The New York Times. The dollhouse shines with small electric lights and holiday decorations.

As in years past, the museum's well-known and expansive O-gauge model railroad will feature non-stop action on over 2,000 feet of track. Five moving trains operate at all times and include a seemingly endless 60-car freight train winding past a village, stone quarry, oil refinery, mountains, Herr Foods plant, running waterfall and animated skating scene. A miniature Santa and his sleigh fly over the railroad.

This year, Hoernerville, the display's bustling railway community, continues to grow and prosper supported by infrastructure improvements. The town boasts elaborate buildings, scenery and lighting. Several buildings are created from Philadelphia's A. Schoenhut Toy and Novelty Company's Skyline Builders model kits that feature die-cut lithograph heavy cardstock and wood construction. Other features include a display of Lionel standard gauge trains and, from December 26 through January 1, occasional clockwork and steam locomotive model demonstrations.

The legendary critter ornaments return to decorate holiday trees and diorama settings throughout the museum. These cleverly designed Christmas ornaments made from all-natural materials by museum volunteers have filled trees at the White House and the Smithsonian Institution. A 36' wreath adorned with critters inspired by Alice in Wonderland returns this year with even more original creations.

Don't miss the Brandywine River Museum's Annual Critter Sale on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Purchases at the Critter Sale may be made by cash or check only. After the sale, these imaginative and famous critters can be purchased in the Museum Shop while supplies last. Proceeds from the sale of critters are used to purchase art for the museum's collection.

The Brandywine River Museum is located on US Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas Day. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for seniors ages 65 and over and students; free for children under six and members. For more information, call 610-388-2700

Photography available upon request
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