The perimeter around the kitchen displayed photographs, magazine covers, kitchen equipment she used over the years as well as her full collection of books.
The size of her kitchen is pretty much my ideal. There was plenty of counterspace, storage space, room for a huge stove and at the center an inviting family table.
It takes some time to take it all in, all the details from her knives to her cookie sheets to a roll of paper for lists and notes.
But my favorite part was these bookshelves that contained her own cookbooks as well as those by others including the infamous Joy of Cooking...two copies.
My only complaint about the exhibit were the two television screens, one showing one of her many cooking shows and the other an interview. Their placement caused so much congestion, it was difficult to get around and view the kitchen and various displays.I cannot go to a museum without stopping in the gift shop and this one was awesome. I would estimate that about 25 percent was dedicated to books. They had an extensive display of Julia's books for sale but in the end I couldn't resist this one...
Hometown Appetites: The Story of Clementine Paddleford, the Forgotten Food Writer Who Chronicled How America Ate by Kelly Alexander and Cynthia Harris. The front flap reads, "At the height of her career, Clementine Paddleford was as popular as Julia Child and as respected as James Beard. Today, she's the most important food writer you've never heard of." Too interesting for me to pass up and beautifully made from the deckle cut pages to the sepia-toned scrapbook fashion endpapers.After bath and story time, my youngest said, "I'll really liked today. Will we go again after we wake up?" She summed up the day perfectly.
12 comments:
Oh, thank you for that! How lucky you are to drop in to see Julia's kitchen having just seen it in the movie. A couple of years ago I went to a seminar on nutrition and the speaker said that she most wished her mother had saved her dinner calendars. She would write her plans out a week in advance and buy her groceries accordingly. Such a terrific piece of memorabilia about the eating habits of families in the 50's. Your daughter sounds adorable!
Darlene - Thanks. Now that would be fascinating to be able to look back at dinner calendars. Even now, I will ask my mom if she remembers a certain dish that I loved as a kid and ask for the recipe, and she will not be able to recall it. I would love to have seen some of my grandmother's lists. At the end of this week, I will be posting about my week of dinners for the spice of life challenge. I decided to try all new recipes from some of the cookbooks I haven't used yet or in a long time. Should be fun.
That is so cool! I just saw Julie & Julia the night before last, and decided that I have to visit the Julia Child display the next time we're in DC.
I just got back from seeing Julie & Julia. It was wonderful. Probably better than I expected.
It has been couple of years since I have been to Julia's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I think it is time for another visit. I think I will wait for a weekday once school is back in session. That will help cut down on crowds. My only problem with the exhibit is that there are always too many people crowded around trying to see. I don't know why but I always feel a little proprietary, like I should get a private viewing and be allowed to actually walk into the kitchen to really see things up close.
Alyce - It's definitely worth it. They have a lot of great exhibits that are varied enough to please everyone. I only wish that we had more time...we completely missed out on the third floor.
Thomas - We plan to go back too after school has started. There are so many museums umbrella-ed under the Smithsonian...we want to see them all. Wouldn't it be wonderful to actually be in the kitchen. Yes there were a lot of people trying to squeeze into the space. If they had the room, it would be great to expand and make a separate space for viewing the TVs. I was just glad there wasn't a long line to go in like the one we saw for the first ladies exhibit. We were smart to hit that first.
Just went to the movie last night--wish I could get to D.C. now to see that kitchen!
I would love to one day visit Washington D.C. and this exhibit. I haven't seen the film yet but read the book not so long ago. I hope it's quieter on your next visit; the TVs sound impractical.
How cool! My parents and my niece were there earlier this year. I really need to get to the exhibit.
I love Washington, DC and all the museums! It's been a couple of years since we were there last...we went with my sister, her husband and sons, so Julia wasn't on the itinerary that trip! Such a fun post - love the photos!
Lit and Life - You would have a way to travel. I read your post on seeing the movie and was so glad to see it lifted spirits.
Paperback Reader - The TVs were impractical. In other exhibits they would place the screens out of the way with a few chairs. Ideal. Did you review the book? I will have to check your archives. I am not enjoying it as much as I did the film.
Beth F - It is a lot of fun and worth the drive. Did your family like it?
JoAnn - Isn't it great? Too much to do in one day, for sure. I bet it was even better going with all that family.
Terrific post! I love W.D.C. and now I have a definite winner for my Must See list next time I go.
Yes, here's my review here: http://paperbackreader2.blogspot.com/2009/06/julie-julia.html
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