Blanche E. Colman (1874 - 1959, Westwood, Massachusetts)
Low Relief Ceiling Decoration, 1902
Haberstroh process using a semi-fibrous plastic material
Titian Room
Commentary
This low relief design of ivy leaves on the ceiling of the Titian Room resembles plaster work but was probably made using the Haberstroh Process, a patented technique using a semi-fibrous plastic material.
Isabella Stewart Gardner meticulously oversaw every detail in her Museum and asked local interior design firm, L. Haberstoh & Son, to design a low relief element for the gallery’s ceiling to introduce a delicate play of light and shadow. Haberstroh turned to his talented young designer, Blanche E. Colman, who was eager to tackle the challenge. After two proposals, Isabella approved her design.