#218 In the field: "Atalaya" at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC

Last Saturday, in a driving rain storm, I spent several hours at Atalaya in Huntington Beach State Park
with Robin Salmon, Curator of Sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens; see yesterday's Post. brookgreen.org

Atalaya's Courtyard and tower in the rain.
We had the place to ourselves.

Archer Huntington, transportation magnate, and Anna Hyatt Huntington, noted sculptor, purchased Brookgreen Plantation and three adjoining plantations in 1930 as a site for a winter home, studio, and as a setting for Anna's sculpture.

The ocean-front home, studio and Brookgreen Gardens were constructed from 1931 to 1933.The home, named Atalaya, which is a Spanish term for watchtower, was designed by Archer after Moorish architecture, and consists of 30 rooms.  Anna sculpted from live animals so facilities such as horse stables,
dog kennels, and bear pens were built adjoining her studio.

In 1960, the 2,500 - acre tract across from Brookgreen Gardens was leased to the state by the Board Trustees to create Huntington Beach State Park.

North facade of Atalaya

            Sandy in the doorway of Anna's Studio                                      Sign above the studio fireplace, click to enlarge