PETER BLANCHARD

1951 - 2022

BLANCHARD--Peter P., III. The Frick Collection expresses its deepest sadness at the loss of Peter P. Blanchard III, a dedicated trustee and dear friend of the institution. Peter was an extraordinarily passionate and kind man. Born in 1951, he was a nature enthusiast and a staunch supporter of environmental conservation. He was educated at Princeton University and received a Master's degree in entomology from the Yale School of Forestry, ultimately authoring three long-range conservation studies. He worked with The Nature Conservancy and was the director and later a council member of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Peter was the dedicated chairman of Greenwood Gardens, a public garden and non-profit conservation organization in Short Hills, New Jersey, which he co-founded with his wife, Sofia, in 2003. A painter and art collector, Peter was committed to maintaining the special character of the Frick and to preserving the legacy of his great-grandfather, Henry Clay Frick. He joined the Frick's Board in 2000 and supported myriad projects at the institution, including its acquisitions fund, special exhibitions, the conservation and digitization of historical Frick family films, and, most notably, its current renovation project. He also honored the legacy of his great-aunt, founder of the Frick Art Reference Library, through his position as director of the Helen Clay Frick Foundation, the support of which has benefited the museum and library immeasurably. Peter was a warm presence at many of the Frick's annual events, and he will be greatly missed for his kindness, generosity, and leadership. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff of The Frick Collection, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Sofia; his son, Theo; the extended Frick family; and all those who knew and loved him. Elizabeth M. Eveillard Chair, Board of Trustees Ian Wardropper Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director