The renowned American modernist Arthur Dove lived in Huntington with his wife, the artist Helen Torr, from 1924 to 1946. For many of these years, they lived aboard their 42-foot yawl in Huntington harbor. In 1938, they purchased a cottage that had been built c. 1880-90 as a post office and general store. On the banks of Titus Mill Pond in Centerport, just three miles from The Heckscher Museum of Art, they lived there or the rest of their lives.
In late 1998, The Heckscher Museum of Art acquired the Dove/Torr Cottage. In addition to the Cottage, The Heckscher Museum Permanent Collection includes important gifts received from the estates of both artists: Dove’s personal art library, with books containing color studies and hand-written notes; his paints, painting materials, powdered pigments, and palette; examples of early and late work; and a group of more than 30 sketches and color studies by Torr.
When the preservation project is completed, Dove/Torr Cottage will be used for educational programs that take advantage of the scenic setting of the Cottage, which is one of its most important attributes, having inspired Arthur Dove to paint some of his most important works of art. The interior of the building will be restored to its appearance when occupied by Dove and Torr and will be available for viewing by scholars, artists, and others interested in their lives and work. Because of the scarcity of parking, access to the Cottage will be by invitation and appointment only.