Welcome to the Dorothy Brett Cabin, a small but significant piece of history tucked away in the picturesque landscape of Taos, New Mexico. This humble log cabin, built in the early 1900s, was originally intended as lodging for sheep herders. However, its true claim to fame comes from its association with a circle of renowned artists and writers in the early 20th century.
In 1924, Dorothy Brett, an Anglo-American painter and a close friend of the famous English novelist D. H. Lawrence, traveled to this remote part of New Mexico. Brett was captivated by the area’s natural beauty and the freedom it offered for artistic expression. She decided to stay on the D. H. Lawrence Ranch, which was generously gifted to Lawrence’s wife, Frieda, by arts patron Mabel Dodge Luhan. Brett lived in this quaint cabin, where she painted and immersed herself in the vibrant cultural milieu that was developing around Taos.
The cabin’s walls, once a simple shelter for herders, became a canvas for Brett’s artistic endeavors. Her presence here is a testament to the creative spirit that permeated the region during that era. The cabin also served as a meeting place for influential figures of the time, including D. H. Lawrence himself, who found inspiration in the rugged landscape and the cabin’s solitude. His works, ‘St. Mawr’ and ‘The Plumed Serpent,’ were influenced by his time in New Mexico.
The Dorothy Brett Cabin stands today as a reminder of a unique chapter in American literary and artistic history. It is a place where the past whispers stories of creativity, friendship, and the search for new frontiers in art and thought. As you explore this cabin, imagine the conversations and the artistic passions that once filled this space, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural history in Taos.
Though small in size, the Dorothy Brett Cabin is a significant landmark that underscores the broader historical context of Taos as a hub for innovation and artistic collaboration. Its legacy continues to inspire visitors, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought beauty and truth in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico.
