The historic Chadds Ford home dubbed “Painter’s Folly,” formerly a Wyeth art studio, faces an unclear future, writes Pete Bannan for The Daily Local News.
Chadds Ford Township currently owns the centuries-old structure. Leadership is weighing options moving forward, which might include selling the property.
Painter’s Folly was built in the mid-nineteenth century by Samuel Painter, a successful local farmer. The ten-bedroom home was later rented to artist Howard Pyle, who used the space to open the Brandywine School of Art.
Pyle’s most notable student was famed illustrator and painter N.C. Wyeth, whose son Andrew Wyeth was later a visitor as well.
The township purchased the property in 2018 using Open Space funds. In the years since the purchase, the future use of Painter’s Folly, including public access to the building, has seen many changes.
After the structure was found to be non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public access became more unclear. A $100,000 grant was secured to cover one third of the ADA work. However, ongoing maintenance costs have led township leaders to reconsider the home’s future.
Additionally, frequent turnover in township leadership has made it difficult to form concrete plans.
One plan being considered is a co-stewardship option that would allow a non-profit organization to run the property. Other options include a public auction, making the property available for public sale.
While the debate remains ongoing, township supervisor Kathleen Goodier affirmed that the township values resident voices. Goodier said, “We want residents to see the progress, understand the challenges, and be part of the conversation about where we go from here.”
Read more about Painter’s Folly and the debate surrounding the historic property’s future in The Daily Local News.
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