The Social Diary had the pleasure of attending the Opening Reception this past Friday, in honour of this year’s Coaching Weekend in Newport. Viewing The Fairman Rogers Four-in-Hand by Thomas Eakins at the Redwood Library was indeed a special treat. Coupled with the delightful photo of Bill Cunningham in Newport, in his “trademark” bright blue jacket. Cunningham was the legendary fashion photographer for the New York Times. His street fashion photography was iconic and renowned.
The Exhibition of Thomas Eakins at the Redwood Library continues through October 31, 2025. The Weekend of Coaching returns in August with a live coaching exhibition scheduled for Saturday, the 16th.
Fairman Rogers Collaboration
Fairman Rogers was the founder of the Philadelphia Coaching Club. He was also a board member at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where Thomas Eakins taught. The collaboration between the men continued in Newport in Summer 1879, where he sketched Rogers driving his coach, in addition to photographs and creating wax models of his horses. Eakins was keen on anatomy, whether horses or people, and often the subject of his artistic endeavours.
Thomas Eakins at the Redwood Library
In addition to the The Fairman Rogers Four-in-Hand painting by Thomas Eakins, the exhibition includes sketches, photographs and equine bronze sculptures.
Coaching in Rhode Island
Transport back in time to the Gilded Age of Coaching, and throughout the 19th Century where prominent families participated. The “Whips” or drivers included familiar surnames Vanderbilt, Whitney and Wetmore.
Let’s give a shout out to the “Lady Whips.” These society women formed The Ladies’ Four-in-Hand Driving Club in New York in 1901. Not an exact rival to their husbands, fathers or brothers of the Coaching Club, but “by equal measure.”
One prominent feature of today’s Coaching are the hats, which are still feminine and decorative. These include sinimays, felts and mini toppers.
Fashion is also practical, which distinguishes the occupants. For instance The Whips, Groomsman (left) and Guards (right) wore attire unique to their position.
Today clothing distinguishes the roles on the Coach. Additionally aprons functioned as a protective cover for the Whips from mud and dirt. Passengers adjacent to the Whips often wear aprons for this reason.
Thomas Eakins at the Redwood Library
One of the most prominent features of Thomas Eakins at the Redwood Library Exhibition is the “Wall of Whips.” Also known as “drivers,” they are responsible for steering and safety.
Many of the Whips belonged to the famed Coaching Club.
This included Whip Alfred G. Vanderbilt. Moreover, his heroism aboard the RMS Lusitania is of particular note.
Alfred Vanderbilt’s brother-in-law, Whip Harry Payne Whiney married Gertrude Vanderbilt.
Whip George Peabody Wetmore was the owner of Château Sur Mer, where he threw that lavish Fête Champêtre Garden Party
Whip Pierre Lorillard IV founded the famed Tuxedo Club. It was the claimed “birthplace” of the Tuxedo, aka “Black tie.”
Whip Ogden Mills is the grandfather to Ogden Phipps, who played a prominent role in Secretariat. The greatest racehorse ever had a field of descendants at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Hospitality Notes
The Social Diary has attended several events at the Redwood Library. It has always been a classy affair.
This event was a complimentary feature of Redwood. With any event, it is best to RSVP which helps the organiser with a “head count.”
The reception was standard fare of white or red wine, in addition to sparkling Pellegrino. Tray passed hors d’oeuvres included vegetarian sushi and mozzarella and meat pinwheel rollup.
Service was professional and super friendly. We have a good rapport with staff and everyone is so kind and accomodating.
Please note whenever attending Gallery reception events, do not walk around with a drink in hand whilst viewing the displays and artworks.