Hunt Slonem Artist & Collector
by Lady Lilliana Cavendish
Some people collect Barbie dolls. Others collect rare baseball cards. My friend, the artist Hunt Slonem collects mansions. Not miniature doll sized ones, but full-scale mansions across the country. In July 2004, I was invited to a birthday cruise on the Hudson River to celebrate a famous New York artist. As I was admiring the city skyline someone came up to me and introduced himself. The first thing I saw was a big, happy grin and a huge yellow ring, to which I immediately tried to make a claim. Then, the mighty Hunt Slonem said, “if we are to become friends, I promise I will give it to you.” Of course, as I love big stones, I immediately felt a new friendship was born. Close to twenty years later I’m still waiting for the ring, but at least I acquired a true close friendship that continues to grow stronger.
The Cordts Mansion
We immediately hit it off, and a week later I visited him in his first of many grand homes on the Hudson Valley, Cordts Mansion. Here, he gifted me with a beautiful butterfly painting, as well as a portrait of an Italian countess — both of which are hanging on the walls of one of my homes. My passion for collecting Hunt’s work started that weekend. He reminded me so much of my friend Andy Warhol with a touch of Capote because of his ingenious choices of figures and colors in his work.
Back in NYC, I visited his studio on 11th Street and Hudson, which takes up a full block. Parrots, one of his favored subjects at the time, were flying around or kept in large Victorian cages facing the river with stunning views of the water and sunsets. His creativity, love of life, interest in the world, and friendships with glamorous ladies and movie stars reminded me of an artist who could fit in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
The Searle Mansion
His collection of furniture, China, silverware, hats, and old frames, combined with his fascination with color, perfectly melds old and contemporary styles, which is present in all of the lovely homes he has collected over the years. I absolutely love his estates in Louisiana, as he owns two of them, the copper baron mansion in Upstate New York, and The Searle Mansion in Massachusetts, all of which are filled with his own work, as well as some pieces from his own collections. Each of these houses are his dreams come true and are testimony to his refined taste and discerning eye.
Hunt’s Signature Bunny
His recent work focuses on one of his favorite subjects, the bunny, which has become a trademark of his. Bunnies are currently featured in sculptures, cushions, pillows, sheets, houseware. You can also find his work on the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman, a true Hunt Slonem bonanza! I am very much looking forward to visiting his newest mansion this spring. For what I’m expecting is to be an impeccable Easter egg hunt with Hunt! huntslonem.com
