National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
The ceiling is composed of a series of closely-spaced "encased beams" with recessed
plaster between them. The original drawings suggest that plaster was to be used also between
these "beams" where they terminated at the north and south walls, instead wood was installed as
the finish material. This is most likely an original installation. 594 The painting of the ceiling may
be attributed to Elmer Garnsey, based on the similarity of treatment to the walls of the Den that
is documented as Garnsey's work. 595
The Lobby is furnished with a desk chair, 596 an armchair with tapestry upholstery, and an
easy chair trimmed with fringe. There is a velvet curtain overwindow hung from a brass rod
with brass rings. 597 There is a rug with Greek key border. Two sconces, one on the north wall
and one on the south wall, provide lighting over the desk. There is also a desk lamp with a green
glass shade. A humidor on a base with cabriole legs is on the east wall. There are two more
humidors on the desk. On the wall hang two large Japanese chargers as well as an oil painting.
The overmantel is decorated with a clock set into a shield-shaped medallion surrounded by
gilded scrolling leaves and eight Flemish and Italian pistols. 598 The bookcases are filled with
books from Frederick Vanderbilt's library.
Frederick Vanderbilt used the Lobby to carry on business when in residence at Hyde
Park. There would have been a vase of flowers on the desk for him. 599 According to the butler,
Alfred Martin, the fireplace was never used. 600 When Mr. Vanderbilt closed the door, it meant
that he did not wish to be disturbed. 601
It is believed that this room retains an exceptional degree of architectural integrity to the
Vanderbilt period, with no changes since Mr. Vanderbilt's death. The painted finishes appear to
be original: mottled ochre-colored paint on the upper plaster wall panels and mottled redcolored
paint on the ceiling plaster. 602
Den (Library)
The Den is entered through the Elliptical Hall and is also joined to the Lobby through a
bathroom. The original plan arranged the Den with a door entering directly into the Lobby.
When the Lavatory was reworked and enlarged, it took over space from the Lobby that included
594
The description of the Lobby is largely based on Peggy Albee's notes, and I thank her for sharing them
with me.
595
See Den footnote regarding Garnsey.
596
Desk chair was returned by James Van Alen, April 12, 1939, who had taken it to Roslyn, Long
Island. Fred Traudt Report, Vanderbilt # 46, April 12, 1939.
597
This is an original drape, there is another original one in storage and the two have been rotated.
598
Several of these pistols are visible in the view of the Dining Room from 459 Fifth Avenue,
William H. Vanderbilt Residence, later Frederick W. Vanderbilt Residence, New York City.
The photograph BHA4-02047 is in the collection of Biltmore. The photograph probably dates
to circa 1880.
599
Knauss, List of Flower Arrangements.
600
Martin, 1947
601
Historian's Research Notes Files, Series V.C. Vanderbilt Mansion. Card 1021 cites interview
with Mr. Martin.
602
This painted finish is similar to the painted finishes found in the Den; therefore it likely was
executed by the same person.
116