Creative Expressions

Chester County's landscape and people have influenced creative expression across generations. Expressed through art, architecture, craft, writing, drama, sport, and more, the county's contemporary creative economy represents the richness of our history and heritage.

Native Americans used the resources of the forests and wetlands to create objects that supported and represented the diversity of their cultures, lifeways, and spirituality.

Prominent 19th century architect Thomas U. Walter, perhaps best known for his design of the Untied Stated Capitol dome and the current House and Senate, left his mark in West Chester. The historic courthouse and Horticultural Hall, now part of the Chester County History Center, were both Walter designs. Prominent architect Frank Furness and regional architects Addison Hutton and T. Roney Williamson also left their mark on Chester County. Quarries in Chester County produced building materials for buildings around the region including Serpentine and King of Prussia Blue Marble.

Visual artists captured the people and places of Chester County through the brush including generations of the Wyeth family, the Pyles, and more. The artist and craftsman Wharton Esherick crafted extraordinary pieces of art and architecture from the wood on and around his Chester County property.

Generations of writers, actors, and singers have enriched our stages and libraries. Composer of international renown, Samuel Barber, was born and raised in West Chester. Winning the Pulitzer Prize twice for his compositions, Barber is best known for his stirring work, Adagio for Strings. Although he died in New York City, he is buried in Oaklands Cemetery.

Longwood, Chanticleer, and other Chester County gardens have influenced gardens and gardeners around the world.

The breadth and depth of creative expression in Chester County, today and in the past, continue to shape and inspire our commemoration and celebration of the 250th.