Winfred S. Hyatt Nativity

WINFRED S. HYATT NATIVITY

Winfred S. Hyatt

Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania

Plaster of Paris, paint, wood, cloth

Circa 1925

Winfred S. Hyatt made three Nativity scenes for the Raymond Pitcairn family during the 1920s. Hyatt, the principal stained-glass artist and designer for Bryn Athyn Cathedral and later Glencairn, made Nativity scenes for the Cathedral, the Harold Pitcairn family, and President and Mrs. Eisenhower. Hyatt modeled all the figures for the Pitcairn scenes, which were then cast in plaster, painted, and clothed. Craftsmen employed by Bryn Athyn Studios assisted him with certain elements of the work. The story of the Nativity is depicted from left to right: the first scene features the angel appearing to the shepherds; the second portrays Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; and the third shows the wise men gazing at the Star of Bethlehem.

This Nativity was originally made for Cairnwood, the Bryn Athyn home built by John and Gertrude Pitcairn and lived in by their eldest son, Raymond, until he built Glencairn. The three scenes were placed in front of the fireplace in Cairnwood’s parlor hall. It was considered the most important element of the elaborate holiday decorations in the hall, and each year it was not seen by Raymond and Mildred’s children until Christmas morning. The set moved with the family to Glencairn in 1939, where it continues to be displayed annually. Between 1954 and 1957, Raymond Pitcairn commissioned Hyatt to make three similar scenes for the East Room of the White House.