The Continental - Hamilton College

President Stewart’s love of all thingsFrench is evident in the small touches thatmake up her home.President Stewart’s love of French spirit. Adjacent to the magnificent paintingis a 19 th century French parasol President Stewart found at an antique store.President Stewart has also purchased two tranquil Bruce Muirhead paintings,which are done in a trompe l’oeil style. These paintings pull together the old andnew pieces of art throughout the house.President Stewart’s taste also has remarkably snazzy touches. She is selfproclaimed“chandelier-obsessed” because they instantly jazz up any room. Shehas installed two whimsical chandeliers, one in the foyer and the other in thedining room. President Stewart’s collection of hand-painted eggs also reveals hereccentric taste, and allows her to commemorate the countries she travels to. Thesesmall yet personal touches blend perfectly with the house’s classic aesthetic.President Stewart remarks, “I do not want anything too idiosyncratic in thehouse because the privilege of living here is merely a mandate from the Collegeto be a good steward.” President Stewart continually emphasizes that her greatestdisappointment would be letting the College down if she made the house tooreflective of her personal tastes. She is committed to restoring the historical aspects,like the portico that was rebuilt last summer, and the home’s antiques. She admits,“I truly love this house. My greatest hope is that it is comfortable and welcomingfor the community which so generously allows me to live in it.”- jenna fain ’0974 the continental | spring 2008