Modern sophistication

Bunny Williams talks about Albert Hadley and the Antiques and Garden Show

By Gloria Houghland

This time of the year, Nashvillians (the ones who are not temporarily relocating to Naples) are usually wistfully longing for a glimpse of sunshine and the fresh greens of springtime. The wildly popular Antiques and Garden Show is the place for an ethereal glance at both of those lovely elements. This year’s edition of the show promises to be particularly special for many reasons, not the least of which is that it will be honoring the memory of the laudable Albert Hadley (1920-2012). A native of Nashville and preeminent American designer, Albert was an integral part of and formidable champion for the Antiques and Garden Show since its inception more than two decades ago.

The 23rd annual show, slated for February 8-10 at the Nashville Convention Center, is being helmed by Dana Miller and Birgitta Williamson and will feature more than 140 extraordinary antique and horticultural exhibitors. But, more significantly will be the six on-site, fully installed gardens paying homage to Albert’s famed wallpaper pattern designs. The Albert-inspired entry will include a salute to his trademark sunburst motif, as well as an “outdoor garden room.”

The show’s notable lecture series, with presentations and programs scheduled throughout the three-day event, will no doubt be a standing-room-only affair as celebrated designer Bunny Williams has been selected to give this year’s keynote lecture. The iconic author and graduate of “Albert Hadley University” has cleverly entitled her talk: “Under the Influence of Albert Hadley.” Bunny is also the Honorary Chair and host of the Preview Party, scheduled on the night prior to the show’s opening.

Nfocus was privileged to interview Bunny, protégée, student and friend of the late Albert, about her personal relationship with the designer and the 22 years she spent working with Parish-Hadley before starting her own firm in 1988. Bunny, born Bruce Boxley Blackwell, grew up in the horse country surrounding Charlottesville, Virginia and began her career at Stair and Co., the prestigious English antiques dealer, before embarking upon a path to design stardom under the tutelage of the venerable firm, Parish-Hadley Associates. This self-proclaimed maverick not only runs her own design firm today, but owns Treillage Ltd., two New York-based shops offering garden objects, antiques and decorative accessories, with her husband, John Rosselli. In 2008, she launched a home furnishings collection, Bunny Williams Home, and has penned four books including her most recent, Scrapbook for Living, published in 2010. Bunny also stays in touch with her expanding fan base through her website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. Here she discusses her time with Parish-Hadley, significant work, influences and visits to Nashville.

We have to ask—you were born Bruce Boxley Blackwell and are called Bunny? There has to be a good story behind this.

This was my mother’s name and she was called Bruce so, to me, it’s a girl’s name. I was called Bunny to tell us apart.

The New York Times named Nashville the current “it” town of 2013, while Condé Nast Traveler picked Nashville as one of the Five Best Cities in the World to Visit. We certainly consider Albert Hadley, born in Springfield, Tenn., as one of our own who helped propel our town to the pinnacle of positive press-dom. In his obituary, the New York Times said Albert was influenced by his mother, Elizabeth, who took advantage of their many relocations to decorate several houses. By the age of 13, he had determined that his future lay in the area of design. What served as the strongest influence on your decision to pursue the same kind of creative path?

I discovered interior design when my parents took me to the newly completed Greenbrier Hotel, decorated by Dorothy Draper. It opened my eyes to the idea of becoming a decorator when I grew up.

Albert Hadley was educated at Parsons School of Design, where he graduated in 1949 and taught for several years before going to work for Eleanor Brown’s McMillen, Inc., the most recognized decorating firm in the country. Mrs. Brown’s establishment was said to be graciously strict. Albert went into business with well-born, well-connected decorator Sister Parish, known to design by instinct. While their methods and tastes differed greatly, they became one of the most distinguished firms in American interior design. You have often referred to yourself as a maverick. Which proved most beneficial to you: instinct or training?

You must train your instincts!

Charlottesville is similar to Nashville, especially when it comes to the bucolic countryside of both locations. Your designs are beloved by Nashvillians, which might lead one to assume that’s due to your understanding of the city’s mix of Southern tradition steeped in history, family and classic style. We suspect that you probably have at least one or two stories about Nashville clients you’ve worked with, either during your time with Parish-Hadley or since you began your own firm. Care to mention a couple?

One of the most exciting projects of my career was working with Mrs. Thomas Frist on their house in Nashville. Collaborating with Mark Ferguson, Gil Schafer and Ben Page was a dream come true, especially with clients like the Frists.

Albert Hadley was an integral part of the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show since its inception. You’ve also been a lecturer and involved in many areas of this popular fundraiser for ECON and Cheekwood. What draws you to our A&G Show? How does it compare to similar events in other cities?

I have adored the show ever since Albert asked me to come and speak. There is such a variety of merchandise. I always find something to buy and the gardens are an inspiration.

Some say that Albert Hadley’s most influential work was Brooke Astor’s Park Avenue library with its red-lacquered shelves and brass trim. What do you consider your most significant work?

Two projects come into mind—the Frists’ house and an apartment in New York for Mr. and Mrs. Friedman. In both projects the client was inspiring to work with which is what makes one do their best work.

Albert Hadley’s first assignment with Mrs. Parish was the White House breakfast room of Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy. What was your first assignment when you went to work with Parish-Hadley?

Remaking the dining room curtains for Mrs. Astor.

Your love of beautiful gardens is evident in the two shops, Treillage Ltd., that you own with husband John Rosselli selling garden objects, antiques and decorative accessories. You also have a home furnishings collection, Bunny Williams Home. Which do you prefer more: interior design or garden design?

My garden is my escape, my relaxation, my hobby.

The 2013 Antiques and Garden Show will have six imaginative on-site gardens each inspired by a Hadley wallpaper design. You created (along with 11 other top designers and Hadley protégées) a vignette celebrating your mentor, “the Dean of American Design” in Southport, Conn. at an event called Rooms With A View. Will you describe the “Hadley aesthetic?”

Albert’s aesthetic was one of simplicity, comfort and great design but always with amazing, unexpected combinations of interesting objects, art and furniture.

Albert was fond of saying about well-realized interiors: “Never less, never more.” In your latest book, Scrapbook for Living, you encourage everyone to make a house “their own.” What are your five favorite design rules?

1. Don’t overdecorate.

2. Buy the best furniture and art you can. You will have them forever.

3. Always know how you are going to use a room before you plan the furniture arrangement.

4. Use large scale items when possible. It makes a room more exciting.

5. Always edit and bring your rooms alive with flowers, scents, books. A room needs TLC.

In an Architectural Digest article entitled “Honoring Albert Hadley,” writer Mitchell Owens said that Albert “taught America what style was all about.” One of your many honors and awards from your 40-year career came last year when you were named to the AD 100 list. How have things evolved in the world of design over these past four decades?

Each era has produced a look but what is interesting is that it all comes back. Mid-century is in. The modernist of the ’50s is the rage. But if you look at the rooms of Parish-Hadley, the rooms that Albert did 30 years ago are still stylish and timeless. This is true style whether it be in interior design or fashion. It is when we fall to trends that we become dated.

And, finally, what is style all about in 2013?

Find your own personal style and develop it. If you look at the work of Albert Hadley, rooms he did for clients in the ’70s are just as current today. Style should be timeless. Stay away from fads! n