Wormsloe Through the Eyes of an Artist
The Wormsloe grounds captivated renowned Savannah artist Christopher Murphy, Jr. who
interpreted its myriad structures and landscapes through a series of expressive drawings and
etchings; many of these scenes were featured on postcards and sold at the Wormsloe gift shop.
Born in Savannah in 1902 to two artists, Lucile Desbouillons and Christopher Patrick Hussey
Murphy, he was surrounded by creativity and immersed in the local Savannah art scene from an
early age.
The Wormsloe House and its Victorian Improvements
Christopher Murphy, Jr. was known for having a keen interest in architecture and, while living in New York City, took classes at the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design modeled on the teachings of the French École des Beaux-Arts. His captivating drawing of the Wormsloe House, with its Victorian-style improvements added by W. J. DeRenne during the late 1800s, exemplifies his appreciation and knowledge of architecture through his acute attention to detail. [Bragg, Wormsloe Plantation, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/wormsloe-plantation/] [Klacsmann, Christopher Murphy Jr.”, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/christopher-murphy-jr-1902-1973/]
The Tabby Ruins of Fort Wymberly
The Tabby Ruins of Fort Wymberly Drawing and painting outdoor scenes in and around Savannah appealed to Christopher Murphy, Jr. who enjoyed capturing the daily life of the bustling downtown as much as the quietude of the waterfront and rural areas. In Ruins of Fort Wymberly, his careful layering of foreground, middle ground and background create an illusion of space that makes the viewer feel as if they can step into the tabby ruins of Noble Jones former home. [Klacsmann, Christopher Murphy Jr, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/christopher-murphy-jr-1902-1973/]
The Classic Lines of the DeRenne Library
Artistically framing the W. J. DeRenne Library in a forward-looking position, gazing towards its marsh front setting, Christopher Murphy, Jr. shows off its stately classic lines in a powerful stance. Softened by the moss-draped oaks and palm trees, a cannon believed to be used against the British in 1812 sits out front guarding the marble-stepped entrance leading to the spacious library chamber beyond. [Bragg, DeRenne Three Generations of a Georgia Family, 284] [Savannah Morning News, 80th Anniversary Edition, Georgia Historical Society Vertical Files]
A Glimpse Inside the DeRenne Library
Bookcases filled to capacity, stretching from floor to ceiling, family portraits on prominent display, a stack of firewood at the ready and a roaring fire set the cozy scene of Christopher Murphy, Jr.’s rendering of the W. J. DeRenne Library. Centered on the intricately carved Gothic-style fireplace emblazoned with the Wormsloe name, the artist’s strokes come together to evoke a feeling of pride and show the importance placed on the pursuits of art and learning by the DeRennes. [Bragg, DeRenne Three Generations of a Georgia Family, 284]
The Entrance Gates in Light and Shadow
It’s easy to imagine that Wormsloe would be attractive to artists and photographers eager to capture its gardens, lush landscape, architectural structures and crumbling ruins. One of these artists was Christopher Murphy, Jr., a Savannah native and son of two well-known artists, whose drawings and etchings of Wormsloe were exhibited throughout the United States. His adept drawing skills, developed under the tutelage of his parents and honed at the Art Students League of New York City, can be seen through his careful rendering of light, shadow and texture in The Entrance Gates. [Bragg, DeRenne Three Generations of a Georgia Family, 333] [Klacsmann, Christopher Murphy Jr.”, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/christopher-murphy-jr-1902-1973/]