The recently renovated Ballantine House in Newark is unveiling a hidden piece of black history from the 19th century. The mansion, built in 1885 for the Ballantine family of beer makers, has undergone a two-year, $12 million restoration that aims to “wake it up and shake it up.” The restoration incorporates objects and artworks that shed light on the underappreciated strivers who maneuvered in Newark society during the Ballantines’ era. The reopening on November 17 will showcase the mansion’s new installations, which include paintings depicting working-class Newark life, heirlooms showcasing servants’ labor, and a gallery dedicated to the unsung residents and visitors of the Ballantine neighborhood. This revitalization of the Ballantine House serves as a reminder of the city’s rich black history that has long been overlooked.
Hidden Black History in the Ballantine House
The Ballantine House, a Gilded Age mansion in Newark, has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration that aims to highlight the hidden Black history of the 19th century. The restoration process, timeline, and cost of this project will be explored, as well as the incorporation of new objects and artworks that depict working-class Newark life. Yinka Shonibare’s influence in the house, particularly through his mannequins, will also be discussed. Furthermore, attention will be given to Noelle Lorraine Williams’s installation, which focuses on Black women in 19th-century Newark. The article will delve into the architectural details and history of the Ballantine House, including its involvement with architect George Edward Harney. The transformation of the Ballantine House, its role in Newark’s community and cultural representation, and details of the opening will also be examined.
Overview of the Ballantine House Restoration
The goal of the Ballantine House restoration was to bring this historical building to life and ensure that its often overlooked history received the attention it deserved. The restoration process took two years and cost $12 million, resulting in a comprehensive overhaul of the mansion. Linda C. Harrison, the director of the Newark Museum of Art, stated that the restoration aimed to “wake it up and shake it up.” The reopening of the Ballantine House to the public on November 17th marks the completion of this restoration, and visitors can now experience the hidden history within its walls.
Exploring Newark Society in the Ballantine House
As part of the restoration, new objects and artworks were incorporated into the Ballantine House to depict working-class life in Newark during the 19th century. In the entrance hall, visitors will find paintings showcasing various aspects of Newark society, such as firefighters tackling a blaze and Italian Americans celebrating a religious festival. These artworks shed light on the diverse and vibrant communities that existed in Newark during the Ballantine family’s time. Additionally, the restoration recognizes the labor and contributions of Black individuals, with specific mentions of Black drivers and the first Black female podiatrist in New Jersey.
Yinka Shonibare’s Influence in the House
Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist, has made a significant impact on the Ballantine House through his mannequin creations. These headless mannequins, created in 2009, are featured throughout the house, including the dining room table. They are seen feasting alongside punchbowls and candelabras, showing the opulence and luxury of the Ballantine family’s lifestyle. However, these extravagant displays also serve as a reminder of the labor performed by the household servants, as Ballantine family heirlooms scattered around the house reflect their grueling work. The presence of Shonibare’s mannequins prompts visitors to consider the behind-the-scenes labor that made such lavish lifestyles possible.
Noelle Lorraine Williams’s Installation
Noelle Lorraine Williams, an artist and historian, has created an installation titled “Stay: The Black Women of 19th-Century Newark” within the Ballantine House. This installation focuses on the often-overlooked history of Black women in Newark during the 19th century. Williams extensively researched archival materials, including photographs and documents found on eBay, to uncover the stories of Black women who played significant roles in the community. The installation showcases portraits and documentation of notable figures such as Marie Selika Williams, Ellen King, Sara O’Fake Evans, and Hannah Mandeville. Williams’s work highlights the accomplishments and contributions of these Black women, shedding light on a history that has remained largely invisible until now.
Architectural Details and History of the Ballantine House
The Ballantine House was commissioned by John Ballantine, a prominent beer maker, and his wife Jeannette. The architect George Edward Harney designed the house, which was completed in 1885. The construction workers who contributed to the mansion’s creation were primarily immigrants from Italy and Germany. The interior of the house features exquisite design elements, such as silks, velvets, and woodwork carved from various types of wood. The involvement of tastemakers from Manhattan further enhanced the opulence of the house. Over the years, the Ballantine House has witnessed both joy and tragedy within the Ballantine family, but its architectural details continue to impress visitors.
Transformation of the Ballantine House
In 1919, the Ballantine House was converted into offices by an insurance company. However, in 1937, the property was acquired by the Newark Museum of Art. Since then, the museum has been committed to restoring and improving the house. The recent renovation marks another phase of restoration efforts, incorporating the hidden history of the house and its inhabitants. The reopening of the house to the public signifies the museum’s dedication to preserving and sharing local history. In the future, additional parts of the house will be opened to visitors, allowing for the exploration of even more untold stories.
Impact on Newark’s Community and Cultural Representation
The Ballantine House’s restoration and renewed focus on hidden histories have had a significant impact on Newark’s community and cultural representation. By showcasing the diverse and vibrant communities that existed in Newark during the Ballantine family’s time, the house preserves and shares an essential part of local history. The restoration not only brings attention to the overlooked contributions of Black individuals but also prompts reflection on the broader significance of restoring historical spaces. Additionally, the inclusion of Noelle Lorraine Williams’s installation emphasizes the exploration of other hidden histories within the museum’s collection, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of Newark’s past.
Details of the Ballantine House Opening
The Ballantine House will reopen to the public on November 17th, with its address being 49 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey. Visitors can expect a unique and immersive experience, diving into the hidden Black history of the house and the broader context of Newark society in the 19th century. For more information and updates, individuals can contact the Newark Museum of Art at 973-596-6550 or visit their website at newarkmuseumart.org/exhibition.
In conclusion, the Ballantine House restoration marks a significant step in uncovering hidden Black history and shedding light on the diverse communities that existed in Newark during the 19th century. Through new objects, artworks, and installations, the house now showcases the labor, contributions, and accomplishments of Black individuals and provides a more comprehensive understanding of Newark’s past. The reopening of the Ballantine House invites visitors to explore the hidden histories within its walls, engaging with and reflecting on the impact of these stories on Newark’s community and cultural representation.
