International studio (58.1916)

VOL. LVIII. No. 231

Copyright, 1916, by John Lane Company

MAY, 1916

MANOR HOUSE AT NEWPORT
BY W. H. de B. NELSON
Few constructions of late in do-
mestic architecture have engaged the
attention of architect and layman alike so per-
sistently and instructively as the Duncan house
at Newport. Nothing short of genius inspired
the architect, Mr. John Russell Pope, whose
active brain conceived this old English mansion
in its entirety, placed it in perfect accord with
its surroundings and saw to every detail of ma-
terial and furniture within and without.
For some four years every working detail has
engrossed his attention. It has been a joyous
campaign, during which many a quest in England
and on the Continent has been effected in order
to procure such material and fittings as were by
the very nature of things unobtainable in this
country. Wherever possible, however, native
craftsmanship and native material has been
employed.
Mr. Stuart Duncan realized from the start that

to get the best possible results it was necessary
to select one master mind and place all the re-
sponsibility there. In this manner Mr. Pope
has had unlimited control in every respect and
nothing has occurred except through his office.
Compton Winyeates, of which Warwickshire is
so justly proud, was the inspirational idea, but
only a motif, for needless to say this modern
Gothic home is in no wise a copy of that famous
moated building in which oubliettes, sliding
panels, underground passages, secret hiding
places, and delusive stairways delight the eye
and puzzle the senses. Such romantic accessories
would be out of place in a modern residence in
America where civil war, religious persecutions
and internecine strife are replaced by the more
peaceful struggles of Wall Street and the exi-
gencies of opera and automobile. The aim
throughout has been to present a fine Tudor
mansion that should comply with the highest
standards of art, bear a hospitable but simple
appearance and avoid the uncomfortable cachet
of newness. As we regard the building from



GENERAL VIEW OF THE DUNCAN HOUSE. NEWPORT, R. I.

ARCHITECT: JOHN RUSSELL POPE

LXXI