PALATIAL HOMES FOR FAMOUS ARTISTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21772, 11 October 1932, Page 14

PALATIAL HOMES FOR FAMOUS ARTISTS

Of recent years we have been made familiar with very descriptive accounts in the' press and even on the silvery screen of the palatial homes of such famous kinema artists like Greta Garbo, Douglas Fairbanks, etc. We have marvelled at the sumptuous apartments and the elaborate trimmings which have all indicated to us the lavish expenditure and the extravagance of interior decorations in the new world. Do these homes suggest in the slightest degree the personalities of these artists? Do they explain to us the bounding vitality of Douglas Fairbanks. In Paris you will find residences of many famous musicians—Chaliapine lives in Pans and Rachmaninoff also, has a lovely home there. Prominent among these homes is that of Joseph Szigeti. perhaps the greatest living violinist of modern times. His home situated on one of the fashionable .avenues of Paris is at once palatial as' it is beautiful retaining all the charm of its owner and the beauty of his Russian wife. The house is approached by a long carriage drive which is very impressive. On a recent visit to Paris, I had the privilege of being asked to tea by Mrs S/.igeti, who belongs to a very old and aristocratic family of Russia (says a writer in an exchange). She took a justifiable pride in showing me her home, which she and her famous husband planned and furnished according to their own taste, which is evident in the minutest detail. The result is a veritable delight. Elaborate though it is, there is not the slightest banality. The colour scheme of each room has been preserved with great regard to tone and lighting effects and the whole presents a harmonious beauty and a joy for ever. Her husband’s beautiful t music has hourly a proper environment for inspiration and execution. The valuable paintings have all been chosen with admirable taste and these were proudly pointed out to me by Mrs Szigeti’s little girl of 11, who is herself a gifted painter showing great talent for such tender years. After tea I was shown the garden, which was an indescribable mass of colour —ablaze with beautiful flowers scenting the evening air. The music of the fountain played a calm and serene tune making the whole world appear restful and sweet.

I bade a very reluctant good-bye and bon voyage to Mr and Mrs Szigeti, who were leaving shortly on a tour of Australia where Joseph Szigeti has a vast admiring public. It is safe to say that he was carrying with him the good wishes of thousands of Parisians who will eagerly await his return to Paris and his beautiful home.