Philanthropist, Environmentalist, Collector: Doris Duke and Her Estates
Cario
After leaving Alexandria, the travelers flew to Cairo and stayed for one night on March 14th, 1938. During this short visit, Doris purchased several art objects for her home including a 19th century side table and benches (see images above). Indian drape fabric in a Cairo shop also caught her eye. Doris envisioned using this fabric for curtains at Shangri La, however there was an insufficient amount of fabric in Cairo to fulfill her requirements. Her husband wrote to Ganeshi Lall & Son (see correspondence from James Cromwell) in Agra, India, who were the owners of the shop in Cairo, to inquire about fulfilling Doris' request. The fabric was eventually purchased and custom made into curtains for the Playhouse living room at Shangri La which can be seen above.
While in Cairo, Doris and James may have visited with Ralph Herrera, “the world’s greatest collector of Islamic metal”, or Professor K.A.C. Cresswell, “the greatest living authority on the Islamic architecture, Egypt, Palestine Syria and Ira[q]”. These men were introduced to the couple by Professor Arthur Upham Pope, whose letter to the Cromwells is included here.
![Cairo[?], Egypt, 1938](https://exhibits.library.duke.edu/files/fullsize/eee9b0200be9b792a35371c02b2f2f75.jpg "Cairo[?], Egypt, 1938")
Cairo[?], Egypt, 1938
Marian Paschal and James Cromwell relax with refreshments. The Nile River is in the background.
Postcard of Cairo, Egypt, 1938
The Mosque El Sarghatmach.
Postcard of Cairo, Egypt, 1938
Street scene of Cairo.
19th Century Side Table
Iranian table made of wood, ivory, ebony, and metal wire purchased in Cairo.
Detail of Side Table
1941 Inventory of Shangri La
As seen on the page, the "Persian Inlay Bed-Table" purchased by A. Rabenou in Cairo was placed in the Playhouse Ladies’ Dressing Room.
1939 Inventory of Shangri La
As seen on the page, the "Wooden Benches from Cairo (1 pair)" were located in the Entrance Hall.
19th Century Benches – Foyer, circa 1939
One bench as it looked in 1939; one year after Shangri La was completed.
19th Century Benches – Foyer, 1999
Wood Egyptian tables purchased in Cairo are currently located in the Foyer of Shangri La.
Making inquiries, 1938
A letter from James Cromwell to Ganeshi Lall and Son inquiring about drape fabric Doris had seen in Cairo, Egypt.
Response, 1938
Response from Ganeshi Lall and Son to James Cromwell's letter.
Curtains, 1938
The completed curtains which were made of cotton and pigments.
1939 Inventory of Shangri La
As seen on the page, the 14 "Indian Print Hangings" purchased in Cairo are hung in the living room in the Playhouse at Shangri La.
Playhouse Living Room, circa 1939
The curtains in 1939, one year after Shangri La was completed.
Playhouse, 1999
A current photograph of the curtains in the Playhouse.
Note on some of the personalities in Persia
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