Through the Art Collection at Ardrossan w/David Nelson Wren

Based on his book Ardrossan: The Last Great Estate on the Philadelphia Main Line (2017), David Nelson Wren offers a unique and fascinating chronicle of the history and art collection of Ardrossan, and life with the Montgomery family during the early 20th century. This iconic estate is intrinsically tied to the Main Line and known for the iconic film, The Philadelphia Story. Wren’s Wayne Art Center talk will focus on the art. A small but impressive art collection amassed by Col. and Mrs. Robert Leaming Montgomery with focus on 20th Century portraiture like John Lavery, Augustus John, William Orpen, Ignacio Zuloaga and Philip de Laszlo. The history and personalized stories are vividly brought into full focus by family letters and photographs. And in a nod to this year’s Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival, hear about the cherished plein air paintings in the Montgomery’s collection and the artist who painted them.

David Nelson Wren is a writer, bibliophile and lifelong storyteller. He has been an investigative newspaper reporter, editor and features writer. For eight years, he was a popular biweekly columnist with the Ithaca Journal in Ithaca, NY. Currently, Wren lives at Ardrossan where he is the house historian. He also currently serves on the board of The Willows Park Preserve in Radnor Township.