Renovation Of Grundy Mansion Offers More For Visitors

Old treasures are new again and will be set out in full view at the Grundy Mansion. Languishing in storage for decades, many of the priceless china and tea sets will see the light and be on display for the public at the Grundy Foundation.

Even better, they represent only part of the foundation’s collection, and the displays will be rotated for the benefit of visitors, said Geoffrey Webster, the museum’s curator. For instance, starting Dec. 12, the Grundy Mansion will feature a Victorian Christmas theme.

While regular tours began again in September after an August closure, no one has been allowed to peek at the ongoing work in the highlight of the tour – the dining room – which will be unveiled on Historic Bristol Day this Saturday.

Recently completed renovations to the mansion will complement the exhibits of portraits, porcelain, and china, Webster said. Each room will draw guests back a century or two with new or refurbished furnishings, lighting and custom draperies. Mementos, including original certificates, notes, even framed birthday cards brighten Joseph Grundy’s study.

The one room that no one has seen will be unveiled on Historic Bristol Day. That’s the dining room. The unveiling will take place on Bristol Day.

On a recent afternoon, Webster and Robin Butrey, who handles the foundation’s education programs, marketing, tours, community outreach, and social media announcements, took time to point out to this important slice of Bristol’s past.

Webster and Butrey seemed to take great pride in the new/old look of the mansion. Many items are original, others were bought, but are typical of Victorian times. Among the treasures are a chandelier with a brass body and porcelain mounts, and a nineteenth century Steinway piano are much like those that were in the house during Sen. Joseph Grundy’s time.

Webster pointed out a 250-year-old, recently restored portrait of Dennis Grundy, the senator’s grandfather, and an oblong parlor table. The study, with its large windows offer a picturesque view of the Delaware River. The draperies are newly made, but similar to the original ones.

Butrey showed off the renovated butler’s pantry, and restoration work that revealed the original chestnut wood sink, lined in copper and nickel. Another highlight of the tour is the upstairs bathroom, large and luxurious with its original toilet, old—fashioned bathtub, and new wallpaper and paint. ]

Along with regular tours, the foundation plans to set up children’s tours, to introduce some of Bristol’s history to the youngsters, Butrey said.

Plans are also in place to make use of the outside of the building, specifically the south lawn, in an effort meant to mirror the gentile teas that the Grundy family hosted at their now-demolished Walnut Grove estate.

The Bristol’s south lawn was the scene of a Victorian Tea in September that set the tone for future events.

“We want to replicate the gardens at the estate, with its pergola, rose garden, and cast-iron furniture. We want to bring a little bit of the refinement of Walnut Grove into Bristol,” Webster said.