Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill will speak at the annual museum fund raiser.

SAVANNAH

The annual Telfair Museum of Art fundraiser "The Artful Table" will take on a decidedly regal flair this year, courtesy of the event's keynote speaker. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill will headline the March 27-28 event. She is the daughter of the 11th Duke of Marlborough, whose family home is Blenheim Palace.

Her interest in interior design began at the age of 16 when she traveled to study fine art and languages in Florence and Paris. Later she returned to England to finish her studies at the world-famous Inchbald School of Design.

In 1981, after having worked as assistant to interior designer Diana Hanbury for three years, she formed her own company, Woodstock Designs, which specializes in the renovation of period houses. Her company operates from a design studio in and London and a retail shop in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Spencer-Churchill Designs was formed in 1987 to produce furnishing fabrics and wallpapers with patterns influenced by old documents and the floral watercolors painted by Susan Blandford, the fifth Duchess of Marlborough. Henrietta has clients worldwide and is on the advisory board of the New York School of Interior Design. She teaches there as well as in schools in London and lectures internationally.

Her many books include "Classic Georgian Style," "Classic English Interiors" and the popular "Classic Entertaining."

Of course, the artful tables created by talented designers and hostesses will present exquisite, imaginative vignettes in the museum's Sculpture Gallery that will delight the eye and stimulate the senses of viewers. Each vignette is inspired by a work from the Telfair's permanent collection.

A buffet luncheon with wine, catered by Chef Nick Mueller & Co., and raffle will enhance the day's presentation. All are scheduled for March 28th .

On Thursday evening, March 27, an elegant Preview Party will be held to honor the sponsors, speaker and vignette designers. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served as guests enjoy this first opportunity to view the innovative displays. Garibaldi's Cafe, The First City Club, Sapphire Grill, 45 South, Chatham Club, Elizabeth on Thirty-seventh and Hunter Horn Plantation are providing the party fare.

Arthur Smith Antiques will again be the major sponsor, along with Capra Capra Antiques, Lionheart Interiors and Levy Jewelers. Additional sponsorship will be lent by Portobello with Greg Guenther, Savannah Fine Linens, The Cottage Shop, National Office Supply and Wonderful Things.

Proceeds from "The Artful Table: Celebrate the Collection" will be used to fund the catalogue of the permanent collection, a much-needed publication which will introduce the full breadth and scope of the collection to a far wider audience. Tickets and information are available by calling the museum at (912) 232-1177, ext.39, or visit the news and events section of the Telfair's website at www.Telfair.org.