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Walter Kaiser - Director of I Tatti 1988-2002

Francis Lee Higginson Professor of English Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature emeritus at Harvard University, Walter was Director of Villa I Tatti from 1988 till 2002.

 

Walter first came to Tuscany in 1953 and stayed at Casa al Dono near Vallombrosa, the house where Nicky Mariano and Bernard Berenson stayed in the summer. He remembers Berenson as an intimidating presence who made him quite nervous. But Berenson took an interest in getting to know the young Harvard scholar and offered advice to him about, amongst other matters, the three most important things to see on a first trip to Florence. Years later, when Director of I Tatti, Walter felt Berenson would have been pleased to see the Fellows walking in the gardens and sharing their research and ideas, his ambitions for I Tatti fully realized. Walter oversaw many successful years at I Tatti, a period that included major refurbishments of the interior of the Villa with not an inch of the 'strip lighting' that Berenson so feared would be installed.

A nervous young student comes to meet Mr. Berenson

Exhibit: On Meeting Berenson

BB's advice to a young man on what should be seen in Florence

Exhibit: Berenson in the 1950s

On Berenson's need for conversation

Exhibit: Berenson in the 1950s

Berenson's many languages; his likes and dislikes...'Icononense!'

Exhibit: Berenson in the 1950s

Taking tea at the Villa

Exhibit: Life at the Villa in the 50's

Nicky: Taking care of everyone and beloved by everyone

Exhibit: Nicky Mariano

Lack of money as Harvard takes over

Exhibit A great change - BB's legacy as Harvard moves in

Role of Nicky Mariano

Exhibit A great change - BB's legacy as Harvard moves in

Strip lighting -BB's fears for I Tatti and how they were confounded

Exhibit A great change - BB's legacy as Harvard moves in

On the common language of I Tatti

Exhibit: A Renaissance Center takes root - What's unique about I Tatti?

On the greatness of I Tatti

Exhibit: A Renaissance Center takes root - What's unique about I Tatti?