A National Historic Landmark with an Illustrious History
In 1810, prominent businessman John Corliss, began work on a stately brick mansion, only to have its construction interrupted by a series of legal conflicts with Spain. In need of a fresh start, Corlis headed to Kentucky to try his hand in tobacco and his unfinished Providence house was soon purchased by Edward Carrington.
Just back from China (where he served as American Consul), Carrington continued to invest in mercantile trading (to China, South America, Europe and other ports), developing a business empire that spanned the globe. Carrington also invested in the Blackstone Canal, and several important textile mills.
Interestingly, the Carrington mercantile records, from Edward Carrington's personal investments in the China trade, his own firm, and shipping and textile industries, are considered to be one of the world’s greatest private mercantile archives of the nineteenth century.
After remaining in the Carrington family for 3 generations, this storied home was gifted to the Rhode Island School of Design in 1935 for use as a museum house, later being sold to private owners. And, in 1970, it was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Corliss Carrington House still serves as one of Providence’s most dramatic and well-preserved founding estates— a credit due to the loving and empassioned restoration work of Steve and Jocelin Hamblett. Publisher of the Providence Journal, and gifted interior designer, respectively, the couple scrupulously balanced a modernization effort with a respect for the original furnishings and craftmanship. As one example, the living room’s peacock wallpaper-- modeled after the Carrington’s family crest-- has been maintained since it’s original journey from China in the early 1800’s.
In 2019, the home was purchased by Lorne Adrain, an entrepreneur, innovation-seeker, former mayoral candidate, philanthropist and lifelong champion of social equity. His partner, Victoria Zhu, came to the US from Beijing to teach Chinese language at Harvard, and later Brown. Meeting (spontaneously) just steps away from the etstae, and later falling in love within its borders, they look forward to ushering the home into its third century.
Opening its doors to events for the first time, Corliss Carrington house is poised for an era of community leadership. It aims to be a home for sharing perspectives, advancing cooperation, and building understanding.
