06 July 2010

Well Said: Betty Sherrill

Interior decorator Betty Sherrill of McMillen Inc at home in New York City. Photograph by Jeffrey Hirsch, from an article published on New York Social Diary.

"I skipped to school. Nobody skips anymore do they?"

And frankly, more's the pity.

11 comments:

magnus said...

I highly recommend that all of your readers take a look at the interview with Mrs. Sherrill in NYSocial Diary. It's awfully hard to come away not admiring this tell it as I see it, tough as an old boot wrapped in oodles of charm, seat of her pants, American original.She is exactly the sort of grande dame that they don't seem to make anymore. And it's a great pity.

the.neo.lifestyle said...

was funny indeed, read it also :-)

David

Quatorze said...

'Tis sad but true, even very young boys used to skip, in preparation for later running and races, with no fear of derogatory comments, save perhaps from the slightly older, self-important boys who had just outgrown the practice. Not sure when adults began to project their own insecurities onto children so that the young began to lose their childhoods and became cynically adult at an ever earlier age but the loss will surely effect us adversely in years to come.

Unknown said...

With GPS at hand--I read that amazing article and great pics on
NY Social Diary. She said if you do it right the first time you don't have to change a thing...she
kept her design for 50 eyars. The dining room chairs are classic.
BarbG

Zach L. said...

AAL -

Didn't get a chance to say this sooner but glad to see you're back.

Kevin said...

I used to skip for exercise- when I was 19. But only at night. It was during a strange, gender-deconstructing phase I went through in college.

Nick Heywood said...

Unrelated to this charming post: doubtless you have seen the Vanity Fair piece on Bunny Mellon's garden; it reminded me of your piece on her garden library, which was certainly a more engaging read than the article (and with better pictures), and I thought how glad I am that you are back, and wished I could look that story of yours up again.

The article in VF mentioned a foundation established to maintain the library at her passing -- do you imagine the estate will be opened to the public at some point? Inquiring minds want to know, and you seem to have the inside track on this type of info. No ill will to Bunny! May she live to 115, but my God I'd love to see the place.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Indeed what happened to skipping? I use to skip my heart out. I think I'll give it a try once again!

Anonymous said...

Actually, I used to put a thermometer against a light bulb, so I could just skip school.

Anonymous said...

Actually, I used to put a thermometer against a light bulb, so I could just skip school.

Dovecote Decor said...

I just skipped school, holding a thermometer to a light bulb, complaining of sore throat--delicious mental holidays.