With an errand to run in Beaumont, and a propensity to combine business with pleasure, we made a most delightful detour to the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens.

At completion, it looked as it does today. It was run as a private enterprise until 1964, at which point Edward gifted the property to Riverside County. Improvements have been implemented over the last 51 years, making it a community hub as well as a fantastic day trip destination. Sadly, Dean passed away in 1964 shortly after the gifting, while Edward continued to champion the museum until his passing in 1980. What a wonderful gift for this little community.

We began in the Pine Room which consists of Stained Norwegian pine paneling carved in the 1680s. Considered the work of Grinling Gibbons for the home of the Earl of Essex at Cassiobury Park, this room recreates the look of a 19th century English Manor home. Art and artifacts displayed reflect the eclectic tastes of the day. I know nowhere else in SoCal that one can go and actually be in a room that, for all intents and purposes, is 345 years old. By the way, Grinling (1648 – 1721) is Britain's most celebrated wood carver, his name is synonymous with an evergreen style of decoration that transformed the interiors of many of the nation's greatest palaces, churches and institutions and these guys purchased one of his rooms. So cool.

We were both entranced by Cary's New Celestial Globe (1800) by John Cary (1754 – 1835). For this globe he collaborated with his brother William. The Cary brothers dominated the thriving globe market in the late Georgian period, capitalizing on the dramatic growth of London trade to all parts of the world, merchants and gentry forming the backbone of his clientele. The 12-inch pair

(celestial and terrestrial) were issued in 1798 and continued in production until well into the 1820s. I've never seen a celestial globe before. Fun stuff.

Any guess as to what these little boxes were used for? Known as Vinaigrettes, these small boxes were used to carry scents like perfumes or aromatic vinegar. A liquid scent was soaked into a sponge and set in the small container; a grille placed over the top to keep it in place. During the 19th century, sanitation standards were low. Many believed that pleasant smells would protect them from disease so they were used whenever possible. Perfume was an extravagance during this period, so carrying a decorative vinaigrette with you demonstrated the height of social distinction. Interesting.

Okay, box #2... any guess? These are Patch Boxes. During the 18th century, it became fashionable for woman, and sometimes men, to apply black patches of gummed taffeta to their face (picture beauty marks). The patches varied in shapes from dots, stars, crescents to elaborate animals, insects, or figures. There were messages in the placement of a patch, for example a patch at the corner of the eye meant passion, and at the middle of the forehead - dignity. The importance of these patches as a fashion statement meant that they were carried in a special box. Oh my gosh.

This wonderfully bound tome is titled Instructions on How to be a Good Wife.

This series of paintings was our favorite! It has the intriguing title of Micro Mosaics and the Grand Tour.

The term "Grand Tour" was introduced by Richard Lassels in his 1670 book, Voyage to Italy. The purpose of this type of adventure was to introduce young nobility to the art and culture of Europe. Travelers became adept at languages, viewed famous antiquities and architecture, and made important social contacts. As a result, the Grand Tour produced gentleman scientists, authors, antiquaries, and patrons of the arts.

Since there were few museums anywhere in Europe before the close of the 18th century, Grand Tourists often saw paintings and sculptures by visiting private collections. In the absence of photography, micro-mosaics of ancient monuments and historically important sites served as mementos of a trip (plus they were easy to transport). Those illustrating classical sites in Italy were especially valued due to their tie to the Neoclassical taste of the period. Micro-mosaics are smaller in size than mosaics and use tiny glass fragments called tesserae. Look at those pieces. We were in total awe.

The Reference Library houses 2,700 books, many from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The collection is a culturally rich enhancement to the existing Riverside County Library System collection, with many books highlighting subjects like Science, Botanical, Architecture, Landscape, Design, Art, History, Religion and Fashion.

One particularly impressive feature of the rare collection is a handwritten account ledger from General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, dating back to June 1775 through 1783.

This piece calls to me because the matting and frame are repurposed piano keys!

There is no way I could share everything this place has to offer. We were so thoroughly surprised and delighted by all of it. We even had a picnic lunch to make the excursion complete. Located only 41 miles from our front door, the Edward-Dean Museum was definitely worth the detour. Wow.

"I always enjoyed art history because,

growing up in California, my exposure was limited,

and it was a new experience.

To learn the history of art opened up certain things to me,

made me see.

It intrigued me."

-Herb Ritts