The Gardens of Tony Duquette
Iconic designer Tony Duquette is recognized as one of the most original creative talents
of the 20th century. Discovered in the 1940’s by the legendary Elsie de Wolfe (Lady Mendl),
Duquette’s ourvre included celebrated designs for films, operas and the stage where he
worked with Vincent Minnelli and won a Tony award for costumes in the Broadway
production of “Camelot”. A few of his interior design clients included Doris Duke, J Paul Getty,
Norton Simon and Elizabeth Arden for whom he designed an Irish Castle. His last commission
was the refurbishment of the Palazzo Brandoli in Venice for Dodi Rosenkranz.
Tony and Elizabeth Duquette built “Dawnridge” after their marriage in 1949. Set in a
Los Angeles canyon, the garden was conceived as an East Asian collection of pavillions,
pagodas and unique sculptures . Terraces lit by alabaster-like Chinese lanterns made
in resin by the designer were situated for al fresco dining. On the lower terrace, beyond
the swimming pool through nacre covered obelisks, presided Tony Duquette’s 28′ foot tall
sculpture “Pheonix Rising from Its Flames”.
In the 1950’s Tony and Elizabeth purchased 150 acres in the rugged Malibu mountains
above the Pacific and proceeded to construct an enchanted enclave of 21 houses, pavillions
and pagodas. Dubbed “The Empire” by Tony and Elizabeth, the garden property was
enjoyed by the couple and their many friends for 30 years until it tragically burnt to the
ground in the 1990’s Green Meadows Malibu fire.
Numerous pavillions graced the property. In the photo below, Tony combined antlers given to him
by the Hearst ranch, and a cast resin onion dome salvaged from the Back lot of MGM studios. Branches
painted to resemble coral are reminiscent of the coral lavishly used at the Palazzo Brandolini.
The personal gardens created by Tony Duquette are intended to create an atmosphere
which delights. Plantings are not central here, but are well considered for the climate
and evocation of mood. It is the uniquely magical collection of garden rooms inclusive
with art which makes these some of the most original gardens conceived in our time.
Postscript: I first met Tony Duquette when the gallery I work for had a retrospective
of his work. His iconic jewelry enriched our 18th century busts, which were placed on
his biomorphic consoles. His signature lamps strung throughout the courtyard created
a scintillating environment; an evening to remember. Recently, Hutton Wilkenson, the
heir to Tony Duquette, Inc. allowed an unprecidented exibition of Tony Duquette’s exquisite
maquettes at our studio. Wherever Tony Duquette is around,even in spirit, magic is in the air.