Capturing a Historic Jewell
Background
Ambassador Laurence W. "Bill" Lane, Founder and Former Publisher of Sunset Magazine, horseman and Stanford alumnus came to Drue to ask if she could commemorate the historic Stanford Red Barn in Sumi-e. Lane's lifelong commitment to this California architectural treasure included spearheading efforts to raise thousands of dollars for a renovation to preserve it. Lane wanted Drue's Sumi-e painting of the Red Barn to raise awareness about its rich history. The Red Barn had been the jewel in the crown of Governor Leland Stanford's world-class breeding establishment once known as the Palo Alto Stock Farm. Today it is one of the finest collegiate barns in America with active members in English Hunt Seat, Western Stock Seat, Dressage and Vaulting.
Client Goals
Amb. Lane wanted Drue to create a visual centerpiece for the Red Barn Festival to appear in Festival materials, web site and media. He needed a painting of the Barn that would inspire the community to become guardians of one of the most historic buildings on the Peninsula. Drue's image would be used to thank those involved in the restoration who had followed his bold lead to "save the Red Barn."
Research
To step back in time to the 1870s when the Red Barn was built, Drue spent days studying materials in the Special Collections archive of Stanford University Libraries. She immersed herself in primary sources including original letters, documents, and even the horse dentist's accounts and breeding contracts from the time period. Drue studied one of the rare original copies of Eadweard Muybridge's The Horse in Motion. This book summarizes the ground-breaking experiments he conducted in the Red Barn that led to the first motion picture. Drue also conducted interviews with University Archivist Maggie Kimball, Amb. Lane and friends of the Stanford Equestrian program.
Solution
- Original Sumi-e Painting of the Red Barn - Drue created The Red Barn and Electioneer: Down History Lane after many afternoons spent riding at the Barn where Stanford's champion trotters once trained.
- Limited Edition Print - Drue designed and oversaw the production of a limited edition print, signed and numbered 100 to be given as gifts to Red Barn restoration donors.
- Limited Edition Cards - Drue designed and oversaw the production of a limited edition card including commentary and poem packaged in sets.
- Original Commentary and Poem - Drue's commentary incorporated findings from her meticulous research on the Red Barn. She wrote a poem in the form of a Spenserian sonnet and performed it for the special banquet on the evening of the Festival.
- Presentation of Prints - At a number of specially arranged ceremonies and meetings, Drue joined Amb. Lane to present a limited edition print to honored donors and University members.
- Custom Framing Consultation - Drue met with Amb. Lane to help him select the frame ideal for the spirit of his painting.
Spotlight Fact
One of the limited edition prints of The Red Barn and Electioneer: Down History Lane hangs at the entrance to the main dining hall at the Stanford Faculty Club on Stanford University's Campus and is a favorite spot for visiting professors, dignitaries, and guests to take photos.
