Billy Baldwin Remembers

This is a review of the 1974 edition of BILLY BALDWIN REMEMBERS which was dedicated to his love Woodson Taulbee. More anecdotal than his previous book BILLY BALDWIN DECORATES, it provides influential background information that formed his distinctive sense of style and gives the philosophy behind his designs. Also, some clients are profiled; the identity of some others is kept confidential, especially in association with the less-than-flattering remarks. There are numerous sub-headings, but the main chapters are telling as to the spirit of the book: Romance at Wye House: The Orangery, 1925; The Wonders of Evergreen House, Baltimore, 1925-1935; The Years with Ruby Ross Wood, 1935-1950; Pleasure Dome in Palm Beach: The Wolcott Blair House, 1936; Fantasy in Jamaica, September 1938; Take a Room; El Senor Puerco: Pre-Castro Cuba, 1957; Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Miller, 1945-1974; Two Walks: Jackie Kennedy, 1963, Jackie Onassis, 1968; Metamorphosis, 1946-1973; Stars in My Crown; Thorns in My Crown; Miss G.; The Fairy-tale Bedroom of Mrs. Tobin Clarke; Landmarks in Decorating: Revivals and Innovations, 1947-1973; Nostalgia; Green Mansions; An Arabian Night: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Centennial Ball, 1970; A House in the Country, 1974; Apartment in the Sky: Mr. and Mrs. Harding Lawrence, 1973. The reader will realize why almost every successful male -- and many female-- American interior designers today considers Billy Baldwin an important influence in the development of his own style. Despite the passage of 34 years since publication, and the realization that young adults might have no idea who any of these people were, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in residential interior design.