ADVENT CALENDAR 2024


December 8

PITCAIRN FAMILY NATIVITY

Winfred S. Hyatt
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
Plaster of Paris, paint, wood, cloth
Circa 1925

Winfred S. Hyatt made three Nativity scenes for the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family during the 1920s. Hyatt, the principal stained-glass artist and designer for Bryn Athyn Cathedral, and later Glencairn, also made Nativity scenes for the Cathedral, the Harold and Clara Pitcairn family, and President and Mrs. Eisenhower.

Hyatt modeled all the figures for the Pitcairn scenes, which were then cast in plaster, painted, and clothed. Craftsmen employed by the Bryn Athyn Studios assisted him with certain elements of the work. The story of the Nativity is depicted from left to right: the first scene features the angel appearing to the shepherds; the second portrays Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; and the third shows the wise men gazing at the Star of Bethlehem.

This Nativity was originally made for Cairnwood, the Bryn Athyn home built by John and Gertrude Pitcairn and lived in by their eldest son, Raymond, before he built Glencairn. The three scenes were placed in front of the fireplace in Cairnwood’s parlor hall; each year it was not revealed to Raymond and Mildred’s children until Christmas morning. The set moved with the family to Glencairn in 1939.

Between 1954 and 1957, Raymond Pitcairn commissioned Hanna Weil Fischer-Binder and Winfred Hyatt to make three scenes similar to these ones for the East Room of the White House. It was restored in 2014, and may be seen during the holiday season at the National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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