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strolling with Thomas Jefferson ~ his Grounds at the University

14 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in garden, garden meditation, landscape design, Lifestyle, photography, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

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Albemarle County, Charlottesville, fall, fall garden, Fralin Museum, Grounds at the University, landscape design, photography, the University, Thomas Jefferson, University of Virginia, Virginia

Although I have resided near Monticello and UVA on-and-off for more than thirty years, I never took the time to stroll with Mr. Jefferson on his Grounds at the University of Virginia—until yesterday. Even though a slight drizzle was about, the light was simply divine for photography, and my time had come.

Fortunate to find parking near Grounds this holiday weekend, I first visited the Ansel Adams exhibition at the Fralin Museum, then took off towards the majestic landscape and buildings known as “an Academical Village.”

Fall color arrives near Grounds

Fall color arrives near Grounds

The University of Virginia was originally founded in 1819. Construction began in 1822.

the University ~ on the UNESCO list

paths to knowledge

paths to knowledge

The Rotunda is the focal point of the Academical Village and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Village is comprised of ten faculty pavilions; the Pavilion Gardens; student rooms along both sides of the East and West Ranges; and six Hotels which served as dining halls. These buildings continue to be used as Jefferson intended.

The Rotunda is the focal point of the Academical Village and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Village is comprised of ten faculty pavilions; the Pavilion Gardens; student rooms along both sides of the East and West Ranges; and six Hotels which served as dining halls. These buildings continue to be used as Jefferson intended.

The designer himself ~ Thomas Jefferson ~ "father of the University"

The designer himself ~ Thomas Jefferson ~ “father of the University”

classic detail prevail

classic details prevail

flanking the lawn

flanking the lawn

inside the Rotunda, the former library housing a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

inside the Rotunda, the former library housed a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

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a unique detail ~ a fireplace built mid-way up the staircase

Jefferson's favorite view of the South Lawn through the portico's double inside glass doors.

Jefferson’s favorite view of the South Lawn through the portico’s double inside glass doors. He visited here one last time only days before this death.

magnificent restored stair rail system

magnificent restored stair rail system

Cleverly placed bookcases in the Dome Room disappear behind the room's columns when viewed from the center of the room

Cleverly placed bookcases in the Dome Room disappear behind the room’s columns when viewed from the center of the room

The oculus is the Dome Room's crown.

The oculus is the Dome Room’s crown.

seating in the center of the Dome Room.

seating in the center of the Dome Room.

The life-sized statue of Jefferson  overlooks the entrance to Grounds

The life-sized statue of Jefferson overlooks the entrance to Grounds

another view of the complex staircase leading to the Dome Room. The restoration took four months to complete.

another view of the complex staircase leading to the Dome Room. The restoration took four months to complete.

The East Oval Room, originally a lecture hall, is now the meeting chamber of the governing body, the Board of Visitors.

The East Oval Room, originally a lecture hall, is now the meeting chamber of the governing body, the Board of Visitors.

Map engravings from the 1800's hand in the North Oval Room.

map engravings from the 1800’s hang in the North Oval Room.

Mantel décor in the North Oval Room.

Mantel décor in the North Oval Room.

close up view of mantel clock

close up of mantel clock

oval rooms were fitted with oval tables

oval rooms were fitted with oval tables

pine doors are given their inlaid mahogany appearance by a painting process called "graining." This was a very popular technique used during the 19th century. Inexpensive, local woods could be used, sidestepping the costs of imported versions.

pine doors are given their inlaid mahogany appearance by a painting process called “graining.” This was a very popular technique used during the 19th century. Inexpensive, local woods could be used, sidestepping the costs of imported versions.

another detail of pine wood "graining."

another detail of pine wood “graining.”

just outside, one of many couples just married on Grounds.

just outside the Rotunda’s doors stands one of many couples recently married on Grounds.

two small ovens were discovered during the 1970's restoration of the Rotunda. This confirms that the Lower East Oval Room was the site of early chemistry classes.

two small ovens were discovered during the 1970’s restoration of the Rotunda. This confirms that the Lower East Oval Room was the site of early chemistry classes.

another classroom at recess

another classroom at recess

Ground floor detail of Rotunda

Ground floor detail of Rotunda

heated debate topic published on the cover of the Cavalier Daily ~ the paper of the University

heated debate topic published on the cover of the Cavalier Daily ~ the paper of the University

one of the Hotels along the Lawn

one of the Hotels along the Lawn

building details

building details

classic architectural detail abound

classic architectural details abound

student rooms along the Lawn

student rooms along the Lawn. Edgar Allen Poe resided in one.

serenity abounds and details please the eye

serenity abounds and details please the eye

notice the detail between floors

notice the structural landing between floors

bliss on Ground

easily transported back in time, these Grounds convey the past

classic fretwork under overhang

classic fretwork under overhang

another brick pathway joins the Grounds

another brick pathway joins the Grounds

serpentine walls undulate often around Grounds

serpentine walls undulate often around Grounds

and again

and again

and again

and again

quiet outdoor spaces abound for student enrichment

quiet outdoor spaces abound for student enrichment

a well defined garden found within another walled space

a well-defined garden found within another walled space

the privies on Grounds. Daresay, I did not open a door.

the privies on Grounds. Daresay, I did not open a door.

simple adoration for these walls

simple adoration for these walls

hyacinth bean climbs historic walls at the University

hyacinth bean climbs historic walls at the University

gates are another delightful garden feature on Grounds

gates are another delightful garden feature on Grounds

my eye never tires of gates

my eyes never tire of gates

rear view of privies

rear view of privies

the real ball and chain ~ simple yet oh so functional

the real ball and chain ~ simple yet oh so functional

symmetry in action supports perspective

symmetry in action supports perspective

intersecting paths lead thousands to higher knowledge

intersecting paths lead thousands to higher knowledge

We must not forget that without the hundreds of laborers, both free and enslaved, neither Monticello nor the University would exist.
To all those unnamed, you are not forgotten.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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