Fleur-de-Lys Studios, Providence

As industrialization spread along the Blackstone River in Providence and beyond, a group of artists rejected mass production in favor of handcrafted work. This movement, known as the Arts and Crafts Movement, inspired painter Sydney Burleigh and architect Edmund R. Willson to create a space that celebrated craftsmanship and artistry. Drawing inspiration from the half-timbered buildings of Chester, England, they designed the Fleur-de-Lys Studios. Its fa莽ade is adorned with intricate stucco panels featuring low-relief sculptures that symbolize Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture, reinforcing the unity of the visual arts.

Upon completion, the Fleur-de-Lys quickly gained recognition in architectural circles for its inventive design and its adherence to Arts and Crafts ideals. The building became a haven for prominent artists, including Burleigh himself and George William Whitaker, celebrated as the 鈥淒ean of Providence Painters.鈥� In 1939, following Burleigh鈥檚 passing, his widow gifted the building to the Providence Art Club, with the stipulation that it continue as a creative studio space鈥攁n arrangement that endures to this day.

The Fleur-de-Lys Studios also found its way into popular culture. H.P. Lovecraft used it as the home of Henry Wilcox, a character in 鈥淭he Call of Cthulhu,鈥� famously describing it as 鈥渁 hideous Victorian imitation of seventeenth-century Breton architecture.鈥�

Recognizing its architectural and cultural importance, the Fleur-de-Lys Studios was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Fleur-de-Lys Studios
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Providence Historical Buildings Tour

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Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

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