Art studio of Mahonri Young at Weir Farm National Historical Park
Upon the death of J. Alden Weir’s second wife, Ella, in 1931, his daughter Dorothy inherited the entire farm (Weir himself died in 1919). The following year she married Mahonri Young, a sculptor and painter who also happened to be the grandson of Brigham Young. In 1932, Mahonri built himself a large art studio just a stone’s throw west of the Weir Studio. When he died in 1957 (Dorothy died in 1947), Sperry and Doris Andrews purchased two acres of the farm, including the Weir House and both art studios. Sperry was also an artist, and he used the Young Studio for his work. The Weir Studio went largely unused.
Interior of the Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historical Park
Knowledgeable volunteers are typically on duty at the Young Studio on Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM for those who want to learn more about the artist and the building. The studio takes no more than fifteen minutes to visit. Times can change, so be sure to get the current schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Weir Farm National Historical Park.
Exhibits inside the Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historical Park
The Young Studio is one room, but it is two-and-a-half-stories tall with balconies on the upper level. A large pane of windows took up most of the slanted roof that faced north to catch the light.
Inside the multiple-level Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historical Park
The building also incorporated Caroline Weir’s book bindery that was built around 1915. Caroline was one of three daughter’s Weir had with his first wife, Anna (who was Ella’s sister).
Caroline Weir’s book bindery room in the Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historical Park
The interior of the Young Studio has been furnished as it might have been around 1940. The paintings and sculptures are all reproductions, but much of the furniture and art equipment did belong to Young. There are items that belonged to the Andrews as well.
Partial reproduction of Young’s This is the Place monument (the original is now in Salt Lake City) at Weir Farm National Historical Park
Interior of the Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historical Park
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on September 9, 2024
