Historic Westwood was a “wedding promise” from John Edwin Lutz to his wife, Ann Adelia Armstrong Lutz, a prominent local artist and daughter of Robert Armstrong (Bleak House) and granddaughter of Drury Paine Armstrong (Crescent Bend). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the c. 1890 home is a rare example of Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural styles. Today, visitors can enjoy complimentary tours led by trained volunteer docents and can experience grand Gilded Age architecture and interiors, a large collection of original art by Adelia in her original studio, a stunning collection of antique slag glass lamps from the Coates collection, and beautiful gardens. Historic Westwood makes an extraordinary setting for private events.

Adelia’s Studio is the crown jewel of Historic Westwood. It is where Tennessee’s first professional female painter worked, displayed her paintings, inspired her students, hosted the Nicholson Art League, and welcomed her closest circle of friends and family.

While Adelia occasionally painted portraits (especially of her children) and landscapes, her favorite subject matter was flowers, especially hollyhocks, which she also grew in her garden at Westwood. Her works were exhibited at expositions throughout the South and occasionally won various awards. Her paintings are currently part of the collections of the Knoxville Museum of Art, the East Tennessee History Center, and the Tennessee State Museum. The collection at Historic Westwood is the largest public gallery of her work and is on loan from the McClung Collection.

Lutz did much of her work in her Studio in Westwood which consists of one long room resembling a cathedral, with a high ceiling and skylights. The walls are painted in Lutz’s preferred color of red. The studio’s fireplace contains tiles painted with the portraits of Lutz’s favorite authors.

Antique Lamp Collection

In addition to Adelia’s artwork, the Studio is home to an impressive collection of antique slag lamps from the collection of John and Nancy Coates. These beautiful lamps (one of which can be seen in the photo below) have beautiful detailing. The Coates rotate the lamps on display throughout the year.

Cynthia Markert Exhibit

Adjacent to Adelia’s Studio is the sun porch where she also did some painting. Today it is home to a stunning piece of art entitled “The Letting Go” by artist Cynthia Markert. The painting was donated to Historic Westwood by Rich and Jane Ray in memory of their daughter Andie, an active local preservationist.

Address: 3425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

Phone: 865-523-8008

Tours: Closed to the public for tours during January and February 2021

Admission: Adults (18+) $10 | Children Free | Knox Heritage Members Free

Website: http://knoxheritage.org/westwood/