Article
"Beautiful Enrichment" 

Beautiful Enrichment - Art is inextricably linked with The Broadmoor’s history and character
by Lisa Lodholm  -  Photos by Bill Sommer
The Broadmoor, Grand Reopening Celebration Commemorative Issue © 2002

Whether or not you knew the molding in the elevator foyer was created in 1918 by an Italian artist, or the painting in the hallway of a Native American was created by renowned artist Henry C. Balink, probably did not alter your appreciation for its beauty and craftsmanship. Though you may not have noticed the artistic located throughout the public rooms and along the exterior, you've undoubtedly appreciated the overall atmosphere they create.

Art is inextricably linked with The Broadmoor, permeating into nearly every aspect of the hotel. The significant role art plays in the overall Broadmoor experience extends back to the interests of its parents, Spencer and Julie Penrose. Julie especially favored the arts and was dedicated to promoting arts and culture in Colorado Springs. The Broadmoor's commitment to the arts has continued through the years, changes in ownership and additions to the resort.

Even the design of the hotel is founded on artistic principles: The Penroses wanted the resort to "incorporate some of the spirit and architecture of America as well as the best of Europe," reads a passage of "Broadmoor Memories" (Elena Bertozzi-Villa, 1998). Spencer selected an architectural firm, Warren and Wetmore of New York, whose designs achieved this. In the firm's plans, the proposed hotel looked as if it belonged at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. The buildings are tiered to mirror the mountain backdrop.

Julie, whose taste leaned toward discreet elegance, designed and planned the interior to be heavily European. Decorative friezes extend across the hotel's exterior. Paul S. Deneville, an artist highly regarded by architects and builders for his graffito process, applied the designs in plastic clay, which were then baked on with intense heat. Among the decorative paintings, moldings and friezes, several common elements surface: swans (of which Julie was quite fond, hence their presence on the lake), stylized flowers, urns, ribbons, fruit, nymphs, putti (plump, young male angels or cupids, as in baroque art), and odd-looking fantasy creatures. Spencer hired a virtual army of artists and craftsman - more than 100 Italian artists - to complete the decorative details. Their work helped make The Broadmoor a masterpiece in itself.

SPECIAL ADDITIONS

Throughout their lifetimes, Spencer and Julie Penrose continued to add to and enhance The Broadmoor's art. Spencer commissioned many works depicting the resort, and over the years many renowned artists created representations. The most famous piece is by Maxfield Parrish, an oil painting that incorporated all of the elements Penrose requested: the hotel, lake, mountains, and intense, vibrant colors. Penrose loved that, the painting portrayed the hotel as he pictured it - as a magical, romantic place - and used it on many promotional pieces including posters, menus and matchbooks. Vernon Howe Bailey created a series of sketches of the hotel, some of which were used in The Broadmoor's first brochure. A few of the originals remain on display in Broadmoor Main. Another artist that gets much attention is Balink. Several Balink pieces depicting Native Americans are on display in Broadmoor West.

The Penroses were worldly, traveling frequently to exotic places. During their travels, they collected vast amounts of artwork with which to richly decorate their world-class resort. They brought many paintings, statues and other pieces from Asia. Some original pieces remain on display, including two 7 1/2-foot high gray marble statues of standing Buddhas outside of Charles Court. Julie collected and contributed prints by Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec. These prints became and remain the Tavern's theme.

Julie also worked to establish The Broadmoor Art Academy, which played an important role in the community. The fame of the region spread because of the skill of the artists and success of the school, says Beverly Mason, curator of the El Pomar art collection. The collection is extensive, and El Pomar lends many pieces to The Broadmoor for display. The academy brought in prominent artists to teach, and the artists' works (both students and instructors) continue to be shown at The Broadmoor.

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

As The Broadmoor has expanded and modernized, special care has been taken to continue the legacy of original and quality art. The new buildings maintain continuity with artistic details that echo those in the original building.

Since 1994, artist Mickey Baxter has literally made her mark on The Broadmoor with her decorative paintings in Broadmoor West, the Spa, the Golf Club and other areas. Archways she painted in the Golf Club share details with those in the main lobby, while incorporating new elements. As she painted the mural for the indoor pool, Baxter used a similar style to what is in Broadmoor Main. Images of horses and nymphs on a landscape of clouds echo those in the ceiling of the mezzanine. She also painted the "wall of flowers" in Broadmoor West, which is a favorite of children. Much of Baxter's work at the hotel is done in an old-world style, blending with the original artwork, yet offering a new interpretation.

As the hotel moves forward, always being updated with the best modern amenities, it will maintain its tradition of art and beauty. New details blend seamlessly with the old, past meets present, and the lovely gem at the base of Cheyenne Mountain continues to stand as a representative of the beauty and culture of the region.

Copyright 2002 © The Broadmoor Resort.