Plantation prospered to become one of the wealthiest properties in America.

Scalamandré has been collaborating with the Prestwould Foundation for over 10 years to replicate, reproduce, and conserve the soft furnishings that once embellished the interiors.

Orchestrated by Dr. Julian Hudson, the Executive Director of Prestwould, several leaders in the preservation movement have worked closely together to restore one of America's finest historic sites.

Considered one of the most documented nonpolitical American families, the Skipwiths left an incredible trail of paperwork including books, diaries, detailed invoices, letters, certificates, etc. One such letter of August 6th, 1795, by Lady Jean Skipwith, wife of Sir Peyton, describes her wishes to her London agent James Maury. "I am very partial to paper of only one color, or two at most, velvet paper I think looks too warm for this country." Richard Nylander, an authority on historic wallpapers considers the above quote to be one of the best introductions to American wallpapers.

Prestwould Plantation contains over 5 generations of decorative history. The legacy began with Lady Jean's English influences as reflected in her wallpaper selections of delicate, small scale, repetitive, leaf designs such as "Angle Leaf" that was installed on the dining room walls. She was particularly fond of green colors, which included arsenic green. In sharp contrast to the light and airy fashions of the late 18th century, Humbertson and Leila Robertson Skipwith, the second generation, transformed the interior decoration in 1831 to the bold, masculine neoclassical style. Richly colored, wool flocked broad borders, side papers, and three magnificent sets of block printed scenics were imported from France to grace the walls of Prestwould. One of the most spectacular rooms to view the 1831 French papers, grained walls, richly carved and painted furniture, and red moreen seat covers is the first floor family room called The Saloon.

Visitors to Prestwould Plantation, just outside Clarksville, Virginia, can enjoy the lovely gardens and octagonal summer house, separate office house, loom house, slave garden and much more.
Call Edith at 434-374-8672 or write to:
Prestwould Plantation
P. O. Box 872
Clarksville, Virginia 23927