EMILY ESDAILE WESTON (1810-1886) | THE LEGACY OF A PLANTER’S WIFE
June 4 – September 1, 2019
English-born artist Emily Esdaile Weston was the beloved wife of celebrated South Carolina planter, military officer and politician, Plowden C. J. Weston (1819-1864). During the Civil War, while Plowden served in the Confederate Army, Emily managed their family plantations along the Waccamaw River, a beach house on Pawleys Island and an inland cottage in Conway. Over the course of 25 years (1844-1869), Emily documented the architecture, flora, fauna and landscape she encountered around her properties in Horry and Georgetown Counties in graphite, ink and watercolor, providing us with a window into the past—a view of our coastal landscape 150 years ago. This exhibition marks the first time Emily’s legacy, this beautiful, historic collection of 105 illustrations, has been shown in its totality.
Special thanks to Margaret and Hal Holmes of Conway, SC, who have graciously shared their collection for our education and enjoyment.