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Family Legacy: Bringing You a History of Creativity
Diane McNitt comes from a family of artisans using their creative talents and has been passionately creative her entire life.
Family Legacy: Childhood - Creativity starting early
Family Legacy: Renowned Ornamental Wood Carver
John H. Elliott - Great Grandfather
Even though John H. Elliott spent his entire career hand carving ceilings, mantels, doorways, and staircases for the Wanamaker and Crocker Mansions, the Library of Congress and St. John the Divine Cathedral, what gave him the most pleasure was carving items for his Philadelphia home and his children and grandchildren, from clocks and chairs to frames and collar boxes.
 
"I don't mind dying, I just hate the fact that my beloved tools will rust." - John H. Elliott Wood Carving of Crocker MansionThe 75-room, three-story country estate of George Crocker has been recognized as an architecturally-outstanding, early-20th century mansion. Built between 1902 and 1907, the mansion features elaborate, ornamental interior wood carvings throughout -- on the walls, ceilings, stairways, archways, columns and mantels. All of this exquisite work was hand done, over a four year period, by Philadelphia master wood carver John H. Elliott. His last surviving child (Diane McNitt's paternal Nana) compared him to Michelangelo, for they both worked from scaffolding to create extraordinary masterpieces for all to enjoy. Learn more... Article on "Darlington" from a century ago about a mansion Diane McNitt's great grandfather, John H. Elliott, worked on in Northern NJ for 4 years: "Darlington", a 'Jacobean' Manor in New Jersey |
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Pictured at right: Diane McNitt proudly stands by a display case at the Atwater Kent Museum, the Philadelphia History Museum, that contains her great-granddad's (John H. Elliott) carving tools that he used to create ornamental wood carvings in turn-of-the-century mansions, cathedrals and libraries. >>
“The museum wishes especially to thank Diane McNitt, who first brought John H. Elliott to our attention. Without Diane’s enthusiastic support, assistance and research, this exhibit would not have been possible.” - Jeffrey Ray, Curator, Weave Diane McNitt's Legacy of Creativity
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