When an artistic design or decorative element is applied to an everyday object, the useful becomes beautiful. However, for members of the Middleton family, such stylized objects were more than just a work of art. They were personal statements that reflect their tastes, interests, and activities.

This exhibit takes a closer look at the objects in the Middleton Place Foundation’s decorative arts collection. In some cases, the decorative elements enhance the object’s usefulness; in others, it overwhelms it. Yet, in all cases, such decoration speaks to both the creator’s and the owner’s ideas of beauty and usefulness.

Visitors will need to purchase General Admission plus House Museum tickets to view this exhibit.