Audio
7. Grand Staircase
Transcript
In many Gilded Age homes, the staircase was front and center; the first thing you see when entering. They were designed to be grand and imposing. In fact, the lady of the house and host would often receive her guest on this centerpiece, at the first landing. The staircase here is off to the side, tucked out of the way. While not typical of the grand staircases within 5th avenue’s townhouses or Newport Road Island’s “Millionaire’s Row”, this one does have society’s standards in mind. The railing was once covered in luxurious velvet. When in use, a lady’s gloves would not be damaged, and gentlemen would experience added comfort. This was common in the opera houses and social clubs of the day. The staircase’s positioning within the house is a clear indication of the kind of entertaining that occurred at this residence. Hyde Park is a Country Place and a Gentleman’s Farm, most often lived in outside of the influential winter and summer social seasons. An idealized country experience was emphasized. One could escape into the outdoors and outdoor recreation, rather than parties at the house itself. Activities such as golf, horseback riding, tennis, garden tea parties, boating, and strolls on the estate were the main focal points of one’s visit here.
Take note of the Ming Dynasty koi-bow at the bottom of the stairs, a piece that is half a millennium old. It’s here, in part, because the Vanderbilts used it as a planter for a 20 ft live palm tree. As you ascend the stairs, you will pass classical statuary on the landings. At the top, you’ll be greeted by Infant Hercules, wrestling a snake.
Description
The staircase rises 22 feet, using 39 steps, with four-inch risers. It’s a design that allowed the Vanderbilts and their guests to navigate the steps with ease and poise—making grand entrances and exits, without tripping over their elaborate costuming.
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