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Gifts from the Past: The Collection of Isabel Brown Wilson
Law Building, Ground Floor
1001 Bissonnet
About the exhibition
Houston native Isabel Brown Wilson had a passion for art. A noted philanthropist and art collector, she became an MFAH Trustee in 1979 and served as the Museum’s Chairman of the Board from 2001 to 2007. Wilson (1931–2012) gave generously of her time, energy, and resources, culminating with the bequest to the MFAH of her precious collection of antiquities.
Many of Wilson's glorious gifts are assembled in this exhibition that explores her love of ancient art. Spanning more than 4,000 years—the 4th millennium BC to 3rd century AD—her collection is of supreme quality. Gifts from the Past presents 50 artworks from her bequest. Small, jewel-like objects in wall cases are displayed along with large masterpieces on freestanding pedestals.
The daughter of prominent Houstonians George R. and Alice Pratt Brown, Wilson strengthened the family tradition of collecting and giving. “Majoring in the history of art is one of the cleverest things I ever did,” she said. “One of the first things I do in any city is go to the museum."
For Wilson, the excitement of collecting was not only the joy of possessing a beautiful object, but also the fascination of discovering the links between that object and its place in history. She believed that ancient art affirmed man’s innate need to have beauty in life, to rise above function and become something more. In a world of change and uncertainty, ancient art was a beacon of hope. Gifts from the Past is installed in the Alice Pratt Brown Gallery.
Admission
Entrance to this exhibition is included with your Museum admission.
MFAH Members receive free general admission.
