Anything You Want
The Preservation Society of Newport County is one of the richest resources in the nation for the fine and decorative arts of the Gilded Age. Visiting Curator Ulysses Grant Dietz went “treasure hunting” in the historic properties of the Preservation Society, and he found 100 objects that he had seen many times — but had never really looked at. He realized that sometimes, inside these beautiful mansions, it’s hard to see the individual pieces because of all the other things around them.
Why did people in the Gilded Age want to own these things?
What was it about these objects that made them desirable?
This exhibition lets you look closely at objects ranging in date from the late 1400s to the early 1900s, all of which were collected during the Gilded Age. These beautiful things — furniture, metalwork, ceramics, glass, painting, sculpture, prints, and photographs — come from all over the world, and represent many different styles and tastes. They also represent the skills of exceptional craftspeople — including many anonymous workers who couldn’t afford to own the things they made.
As you explore Anything You Want, take a closer look at these works of art and think about why someone in the Gilded Age might have wanted to own them.
Then ask yourself: Would I want it? Why? Why not?
Imagine you are Harold Vanderbilt and can buy anything you want … anything in the world.
Les Trois Amis (The Three Friends)
(Portrait of Harold Stirling Vanderbilt) Charles Chaplin (1825-1891), 1887; Frame made by Jules Allard and Sons (active 1878-1907), Paris Oil on canvas, carved and gilded oak Bequest of Harold S. Vanderbilt. PSNC.429.
Are old things better than new things?
Louis XV Chest of Drawers (Commode)
Attributed to Jean-François Oeben (1721-1763), Paris, 1740-1760 Wood with marquetry veneers, marble, gilded bronze (ormolu) Bequest of Harold S. Vanderbilt. PSNC.413.a-b.
Do we like old things because they link us to the past?
Side Chair
Unidentified maker, Boston, 1730-1740 Mahogany, maple, leather Purchased by The Preservation Society of Newport County. PSNC.1787a-b.
How do beautifully crafted things express ugly, racist ideas?
America
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (active 1710-present), Dresden, Germany, late 1800s Hard-paste porcelain, enamel Bequest of Mrs. Aletta Morris McBean. PSNC.9048.
Beautiful craftsmanship also can reflect global trade patterns.
Vase Decorated with Chrysanthemums (One of a Pair)
Hansuke Kawamoto V (1831-1907) or VI (1844-1905) for Hyochien (1873-1909), Tokyo, Japan, 1879 Stoneware, enamel Gift of the Estate of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives. PSNC.5098.1.
Silver is a way to tell people publicly that they are important to you.
“Four Elements” Centerpiece
John C. Moore (1803-1874), New York, 1851 Retailed by Tiffany, Young & Ellis (active 1837-1853), New York Sterling silver, silver-plated brass Gift of Norrie Wetmore Sellar. PSNC.9804.
Beautiful things can be functional.
Mantel Clock and Candelabra
Attributed to Raingo Frères (active 1823-1890), Paris, 1875-1890 Retailed by Tiffany & Co. (active 1837-present), New York Marble, gilded bronze (ormolu), metal, glass, enamel Gift of Countess Anthony Szapáry. PSNC.2960.1-.3a-e.
Modern Design, the Latest Thing
Parlor Cabinet in the Colonial Style
Unidentified maker, England, 1870s Rosewood, tulipwood, satinwood, glass, metal Gift of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives. PSNC.6136.
Showing Off, or Pleasing Oneself
Dining Chair (from a Set of 25)
Jules Allard and Sons (1878-1907), Paris, c. 1890 Cast bronze, gilded bronze (ormolu), cut velvet Gift of Mr. Frederick H. Prince. PSNC.430.1-.25.
Closed Armchair (Bergère)
Designed by Ogden Codman, Jr. (1863-1951), for A. H. Davenport & Co. (1880-1974), Boston, c. 1895 Painted wood, reproduction chintz Gift of Gladys T. Peterson and Countess Anthony Szapáry. PSNC.2905.11.
More Tours, Events & Exhibitions
Beneath The Breakers Tour
Daily
10:00am
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
June 1 - September 1, offered at 10 am & 2 pm
Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour
Daily
12 pm and 2 pm
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours.
Servant Life Tour
Daily
10 am and 2 pm
See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age.
June 1 - September 1, offered at 10 am, 12 pm & 2 pm
Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour
May 2 – June 27, 2025
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where Julian Fellowes' historical drama series was filmed. Fridays only, May 2 through June 27.
Richard Morris Hunt:
In a New Light
May 30 – November 2, 2025
This exhibition examines the mind, ambition and legacy of America’s Dean of Architecture, who shaped Gilded Age America not only through the buildings he created – including The Breakers and Marble House – but also through his ideas.
Member-Only Island Cemetery Tour
June 14, 2025
10:00am
Coinciding with our exhibition “Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light,” this guide-led tour of Newport's Island Cemetery will focus on the great Gilded Age architect's impact and presence in this historic burying ground.
SOLD OUT
The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair”
June 20 – 22, 2025
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Member-Only Island Cemetery Tour
June 28, 2025
10:00am
Coinciding with our exhibition “Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light,” this guide-led tour of Newport's Island Cemetery will focus on the great Gilded Age architect's impact and presence in this historic burying ground.
SOLD OUT
Annual Golf Outing
August 25, 2025
12:00pm
Grab your clubs for an unforgettable day on the greens at the Preservation Society’s Annual Golf Outing at Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, R.I., a challenging links-style course with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
