LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Another love story awaited us at the Chandor Gardens right in the small town of Weatherford where famous British portraitist Douglas Chandor married Ina Kuteman, a daughter of a wealthy Texas family in 1934.  

One might wonder how did a world renowned artist who painted the Queen, a couple of U.S. Presidents, etc... end up in the South? 

Well, Ina's mother took her to New York to introduce her to society at elaborate balls in order to meet a prospective husband. It was there Ina met Douglas Chandor who was then invited by Mrs. Kuteman to return with them to Weatherford to paint family portraits. And as they say, the rest is history.

The architect Joseph Pelich helped the newlyweds build their home with a ballroom size studio with good sunlight.

 Chandor between commissions dedicated the next 2 decades working on the landscaping until his death. He always claimed his art skills were just a means for him to build this home garden. He designed it with English style gardens filled with boxwood rooms, water fountains, the Pixie Pond, bowling alley for bocce, statuary and of course, plant material.

Chandor also had an affinity for China and implemented Chinese symbols, statuary and oriental design.  

He used the color 'red' as an accent as the Chinese traditional use of  red is to symbolize 'good luck and joy.'

Note that red bench above.

Chandor also was innovative when supplies were limited as seen in the fountain below-

 The Chi Ling Fountain was built with a tractor gear base, 

coke and 7 up bottles... 

Here's a close up of the implementation of those bottles. 

Pretty ingenuous, right?

The lushness of the garden and its upkeep was striking in contrast to the former Clark gardens. (Of course, it is a lot smaller.)

After her husband's passing in '53  Mrs. Chandor kept the garden up and opened it to the public until her passing in '78.

 

In ' 94  a private party bought and restored the neglected grounds and home. 

In 2002 the city of Weatherford acquired it. Through public and private funding it has flourished.

Besides full time staff, Master Gardeners now also help in the maintenance of not only weeding but seasonal plantings and decorating as well.

Chandor Gardens is a gem and delight to visit. We really enjoyed our time spent there.

Definitely put it on you list of places to visit when the opportunity arises !

You tubes 1978 John Paul Young's LOVE IS IN THE AIR