The Grande Dame of Palm Beach Decorators:
Polly Jessup (1899 to 1988)
A year before her death in 1987, Polly Jessup was profiled by the New York Times who declared her to be the “Grande Dame of Palm Beach Decorators.” The article by Anne-Marie Shiro highlights Jessup’s sixty years of design among the elite of Palm Beach. Polly created graceful and sophisticated interior décor for society’s biggest names – Dupont, Ford, Whitney, Mellon, Reed, and countless other socialites. A native New Yorker, Polly Jessup (née Pauline Daniel) moved to Hobe Sound in the 1920s with her husband John Jessup. Despite a lack of formal training, Polly’s eye for color, style, and form made her a nationally renowned interior designer whose designs were integral to the gracious lifestyle for which Palm Beach is known.
As her reputation for understanding great quality and design grew in popularity, Polly remained a private person, avoiding publicity when possible. Many of her clients were personal friends with whom she cultivated lasting relationships, so much so that some of her clients were “the third generation in their families to be ‘Jessuped ’.”1 Polly Jessup remained active in interior design for over sixty years, until her death in her Palm Beach home at the age of 89. Polly’s quiet, modest demeanor belied her extraordinary talent and success; her influence among the upper echelons of society was wide-reaching. 1. Schiro, Anne-Marie. “Grande Dame of Palm Beach Decorators.” The New York Times. March 5, 1987. 2. Billy Baldwin and Michael Gardine, Billy Baldwin: An Autobiography (Boston: Little, Brown and Company), 191.
Formal Living Room of the Abegg’s Apartment. Circa 1950s. Image courtesy of the Daniel family collection.
Dining Room of Abegg’s Apartment. Focal point is the map of Venice. Circa 1950s. Image courtesy of the Daniel family collection.
“Polly Jessup’s taste is simply beautiful… her extravagant insistence upon quality, and quality only, has not been equaled, and her success has been 2 without limit, and every bit of it is deserved.” -Billy Baldwin, 1985
Polly Jessup (right) volunteering for WWII efforts in Palm Beach during the 1940s. Image courtesy of the Daniel family collection.
Painted entryway into Margaret Abegg, Polly’s sister, NYC apartment at One Sutton Place South. Margaret and her husband Werner were avid textile collectors who started the Abegg-Stiftung Foundation in Switzerland. Circa 1950s. Image courtesy of the Daniel family collection.
This exhibition is generously underwritten by the Daniel Family. The Jessup Collection is on loan from The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL
Bedroom overlooking the NYC skyline. Circa 1950s. Image courtesy of the Daniel family collection.
The Beginnings of Jessup, Inc.
Carl Bretts, a Jessup, Inc. Associate, with Polly Jessup at drafting table at 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
John and Polly Jessup (left). Image courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection.
Polly’s husband, John Jessup, enjoyed woodworking, and together Polly and John put their talents to work making custom furniture for Palm Beach residents. One of their first commissions was to make furniture for the First National Bank of Palm Beach in 1927. Jessup, Inc. opened a showroom in town on Worth Avenue that moved to different storefronts throughout the years, and a warehouse on Georgia Ave in West Palm Beach. Polly had an office in her home at 209 Phipps Plaza, a popular locale for design professionals throughout the years.
The Palm Beach Post December 1, 1927
Jessup, Inc. Furniture Order Form. Courtesy of Henry Brooks. 1928 Hurricane Destruction. Image courtesy of the State Archives of Florida/Herrington Family.
Jessup, Inc. gained commissions as the result of a disastrous hurricane, which devastated the area in the summer of 1928. After the storm passed, Polly sent workmen out to salvage priceless pieces of furniture found floating in Lake Worth. Her warehouse in West Palm Beach was one of few buildings standing, and she quickly went to work making furniture for those who were affected by the hurricane. The company grew swiftly, and Polly Jessup’s unique armchairs, lampshades, and curtains became staples in many Palm Beach homes. By Polly’s death in 1988, Jessup Inc. employed over fifty craftsmen, carpenters, and decorators.
The Palm Beach Post October 26, 1937
Living Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Florida Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Dining Room. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Hallway. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Entryway. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL. Office. Polly used her residence at 209 Phipps Plaza to meet clients who did not want to drive to Georgia Ave. 209 Phipps Plaza. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
The Influence of Polly Jessup “She is the most enchanting woman, and does, without question, the most beautiful curtains of anybody in America, or Europe, for that matter.” – Billy Baldwin
Polly Jessup at her desk at 209 Phipps Plaza. Image Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection.
“Polly lived her life with serenity, sweetness and calm that were surprising qualities to find in such a highly successful career woman.” – Jane Volk
Study for Bill’s Room by Glen Boyles for Jessup, Inc. Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Clay Ford, 100 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Point, MI. Watercolor, circa 1963. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
“Polly had a quiet influence over the design trends in Palm Beach; her work was groundbreaking for that time period.” –Ron Daniel
Study for Dining Room by Glen Boyles for Jessup, Inc. Watercolor. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
“She could do anything, she was always impeccable in her dress and her designs. One technique she pioneered was glazing, she would use large crayons to create translucent paint layers on the wall. Comfortable, pretty, there are many amusing words to use, but her work is timeless.” – Mimi McMakin
Study for Bill’s Room by Glen Boyles for Jessup, Inc. Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Clay Ford, 100 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Point, MI. Watercolor, circa 1963. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Swenson House
Custom sofa for Mrs. Edward Swenson. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Restored entryway featuring original Jessup, Inc. sofa. 1999. Photograph by Stephen Leek
The landmarked Neoclassical house on South Ocean Boulevard was designed in 1938 by Marion Sims Wyeth for Mrs. Edward Swenson . Swenson was a wellknown Palm Beach resident recognized for her generous support of the Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, an earlier commission by Wyeth.
The South Ocean Boulevard house was awarded the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach’s 1999 Ballinger Award for outstanding restoration and rehabilitation of historic architecture in Palm Beach. Many of the original furnishings and finishes were restored, indicating the timelessness of Polly Jessup’s work.
Original dining room for Mrs. Edward Swenson. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Restored dining room featuring original Jessup, Inc. design. 1999. Photograph by Stephen Leek.
Close-up on restored wallpaper. 1999. Photograph by Stephen Leek.
Swenson House
Florida Room. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Florida Room looking out towards the patio. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Living Room. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Living Room. Circa 1940. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Swenson House Palm Beach, FL Neoclassical Revival 1938 Wyeth, King, and Johnson Photograph by Stephen Leek
John B. Ford House Hobe Sound, FL Georgian Revival 1965 John Volk Image loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL
John B. Ford House
Living Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Living Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
The Georgian style house with Bermuda influence in Hobe Sound was designed in 1965 by John Volk for John B. Ford, Jr. Ford was chairman of the familyowned company Wyandotte Chemical Company, headquartered in his home state Michigan. Ford was also known for his revitalization of the Detroit Symphony in the 1950s.1 1. Darrell Hofheinz/PBDN
Office. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Dining Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Dining Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Sitting Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Sitting Room. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
John B. Ford House
Bedroom One. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Bedroom Two. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Bedroom Three. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Bedroom Four. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Bedroom One. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Bedroom Two. Circa 1965. Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Sofa Complete with Two Cushions in Silk Damask
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Specimen of Carving
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Small Italian Table with Two Benches in Cypress or Walnut
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Silver Chest
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Refectory Table in Walnut
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Louis XV Bergere Chair in Silk Brocade
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Walnut Italian Dressing Table with Antique Tile Top
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Spanish Chair Walnut and Italian Provincial Chair with Rush Seat
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Dressing Table Stool in Muslin Walnut Frame or Painted
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Specimen of Carving
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Specimen of Restoration of Painting
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
French Decorated Bed
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Side Table
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Hand Carved Walnut Desk with Antique Finish
Loaned by the Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL.
Spanish Bed Head
Jessup, Inc. Antique Furniture Catalogue
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Fanjul Sofa, Style J 38 A
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Sofa, Style J 53
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Grog Chair
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Sofa with Curved Tufted Back and Deep Scallop Applied Skirt. Johnstone, 1984
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Urban Model #249 Turkish Ottoman Wm. Ford
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
DeAngelis Settee
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Mazza #1107 Sofa, Frame Raised 2 1/2�
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Chair, Style J 87
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Chair, Style J 85
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Upholstered Headboard #485
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
St. James Sofa, Style J 11
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Odom Chair, Style J 12-A
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Chair, Style J 93
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Special Bed in Green Vinyl
Image courtesy of Henry Brooks
Upholstered Tub Chair
Jessup, Inc. Custom Furniture Catalogue
History of Stereographs “The first effect of looking at a good photograph through the stereoscope is a surprise such as no painting ever produced. The mind feels its way into the very depths of the picture.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes, inventor of the first affordable home stereograph viewer
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
The few color photographs of Polly Jessup’s work that exist come from the Daniel’s personal collection of stereographs that depict Mrs. Jessup’s residence at 209 Phipps Plaza. Her use of pattern and color created lush, rich, and beautiful designs for her personal home. The images can be viewed through the light viewer giving them a 3D affect.
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
What is a stereograph? The stereograph, an early three-dimensional photograph, was conceived in 1838. By the end of the 19th century, stereographic images of faraway lands and exotic scenes proliferated among journalists, students, and virtual tourists. The 20th century saw many iterations of the stereograph, the most common format being the popular children’s toy View-Master.
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
How does it work? Traditional stereograph images are created by mounting two nearly-identical drawings or photographs side by side on cardboard or mounted in slide format. Looking inside the stereoscope viewer, each of the user’s eyes sees a different image, but the brain is “tricked” into merging them into one three-dimensional image. Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
Courtesy of the Daniel Family Collection
