From the Collections Vault: Mizner Lanterns and their replicas
Accession Numbers 1990.BH.206R1 & R2
This past summer we had the fantastic opportunity of being able to have replicas made of our beloved Mizner Moroccan lanterns. You could find these beauties in the Haitian Loggia section of the house’s courtyard. While not original to when the house was built, these lanterns were statement pieces, and unfortunately came to a point of deterioration where they were unable to be restored by conservators. The salty sea air, heat, and humidity took quite a toll on the tin, and it was in advanced stages of corrosion. This meant that we needed to find a solution as the lanterns could not continue to be displayed outside.
1920s vs. 2024
The location of the original lanterns, as you can see in the black and white 1920s photo below, is unknown
Bonnet House Archives
The Mizner replacements were bought by Evelyn Bartlett after Frederic Bartlett’s death in the early 1950s. She found them in a shop on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach and were from an estate in the area. These lanterns were made in the 1920s in Morocco or Spain and were created out of Shell Oil tin cans. During his travels in the early 20th century, famed American architect Addison Mizner bought or crafted goods in bulk to be used at his Boca Raton properties and a portion was also able to be bought by locals. He often used Spanish or Italian publications, like the one below, to create replicas of 17th century lantern styles.
From The Society of the Four Arts & Palm Beach Social Diary blog
Our new gorgeous replica lanterns were expertly hand-crafted by Marrakesh company The Moroccan Gallery and are made of more durable brass with an antique bronze finish. This restores it to what the original lanterns would have looked like before a rust prevention paint was applied. But don’t worry – the original Mizner lanterns will continue to be treasured as well. They are currently on loan to The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum for their upcoming November-May exhibit on Addison Mizner. Give them a visit and enjoy the fantastic museum as well!
The Moroccan Gallery website: TheMoroccanGallery – Leader of Moroccan Lighting
The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum website: History Museum in Boca Raton | Boca Raton Historical Society (bocahistory.org)
Many, many thanks to donor Don Viny for making this happen. With these replicas we are continuing to preserve Bonnet House for generations to come.
Come and see their grandeur Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm.
