Christine Rosamond Benton and Bryan Maclean were sweethearts in 1963. Bryan was my good friend who sang at my wedding. His father was a good friend of Elizabeth Taylor. These are the people the world famous artist, Rosamond, deserves to be associated with. That we overcame the disease of alcoholism is an important bond. Liz championed the fight against the disease of AIDES. That Liz lived in the home of Augustus John, and the home Maclean designed, is a missing link in art history. Bryan was an artist, as was his mother. Bryan and I worked on our art in the same class. With this new series about Liz, it looks like creative people are going to get serious about our National Icons. Here’s Bryan and ‘Love’ on the Dick Clark show.
1375 Beverly Estate Drive, Beverly Hills (July 1954-?)
Noticing a for sale sign at 1375 Beverly Estate Drive, Elizabeth and Michael Wilding hopped over the wall to get a better look at the property. Realizing that the sliding glass door was unlocked, the couple crept inside and began exploring the home. Elizabeth quickly fell in love. What she didn’t know was that the home, which was made of glass and adobe, was designed by architect George MacLean with her in mind. In her book, An Informal Memoir, Elizabeth describes the unique interior: “One whole wall was built of bark with fern and orchids growing up the bark, and the bar was made of stone. And the fireplace had no chimney. There was a device making the smoke go down under the building and out through the barbecue pit.” Elizabeth also recalled that “You really couldn’t distinguish between the outside and inside. And all the colors I loved—off white, white, natural woods, stone, beigy marble. The pool was so beautiful. There were palm trees and rock formations—it looked like a natural pool, with trees growing out of it. It was the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.” The state of the art home also featured an intercom, automated doors, light dimmers, automated curtains, and a movie screen. The architect later became godfather to Elizabeth’s son, Christopher.
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