A photographer’s muse: Finding beauty and history in the Sarah Bernhardt room

My name is Glen Michael Couvillion, and I am a photographer living in the beautiful city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I specialize in landscapes, historical buildings, portraits, and quirky shots of the quirky shops in our little town.

In my line of work, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and staying in some of the nicest hotels, bed & breakfasts, and historic cottages in the area. One of my very favorites is the complex of cottages and gardens that comprise Cliff Cottage. The sense of history there is palpable. Every corner seems filled with whimsical mementos of times past — from classic statues tucked into the cliff’s nooks and crannies to ceramic frogs that dot the gardens and hideaways, vying with the lovely flowers that abound.

Room #5: Sarah Bernhardt

Although each room has its own charms, my favorite has to be the Sarah Bernhardt room with its iconic bay windows overlooking downtown Eureka Springs.

Walking up the short stone stairway, I found myself on a small but cozy porch painted a light shade of blue with darker blue and pink accents. White wicker chairs and a table stood out in the bright afternoon sunshine. A multicolored — yet simple — stained glass panel with cream-colored lace curtains behind greeted me as I put key to lock.

Upon entering, one can’t help but notice the light streaming in from the three large bay windows facing Armstrong Street and the downtown area — each framed with more stained glass in the same pattern and color as the door window. A photographer’s dream. I was expecting the arrival of a young model I wanted to do portraits of, and the airy high ceilings were great for adding a nice ambiance to the photoshoot.

A large semi-circular couch sat opposite the windows. Perfect for a couple (or a model) to curl up on. Antique touches such as an old Singer sewing machine, peacock-backed chairs, and fancy fringed lamps lent the environment a feel of the past life the former home had. Original wood floors, darkly glistening, completed the effect.

A model arrives

My model arrived before I had a chance to fully explore the rooms and cliffside patio. Entering, she was as struck by the living room as I was — immediately plopping down on the big couch and staring out at the view as the ceiling fan spinning overhead sent cool zephyrs downward. She had worked with me long enough to spot a likely background for portraits.

Not wanting to let her get too comfortable, I pulled her up and led her Hansel & Gretel–style to explore the rest of the bungalow at our disposal. Tall mahogany-shaded French doors opened to reveal a bedroom equipped with a large bed adorned with a carved wooden scalloped headboard. Above the bed, suspended from the high ceiling, were ornate twin lamps with frosted glass flumes. From them hung something unexpected: two shoes. Specifically, two tiny ballerina shoes, festooned with pink ribbons. Too small to be utilitarian — they were obviously for decoration.

At that moment, my companion noticed that the room was filled with tiny ceramic shoes. A variety — men’s and women’s — small, ornate beauties. Over a dozen. Too small for even a child’s feet.

The theme continues

The walls displayed circulars, photographs, and posters connected with Sarah Bernhardt’s performances, along with old-fashioned publications framed for display. A statuette of the famous actress sat on a makeup table in front of a mirror. I had heard from the staff that this was the original owner’s personal bedroom, and a homey feeling was quite prevalent.

A chair with armrests in the shape of eagle heads sat to the side by the windows, overlooked by a wire representation of the Eiffel Tower. Obvious care had gone into keeping a theme going.

The patio retreat

A quaint but nicely laid-out bathroom, with an embroidered image of the iconic Cliff Cottage building it resides in, had a small door leading out back to a patio surrounded by high stone cliffs — creating a cool contrast to the warm temperatures outside.

Shelves along the gray walls of the bluffs provided a home for a cornucopia of mementos and flowers. Pink pansies and red tulips sat in the company of porcelain frogs and angel figures, green moss adding to the atmosphere of the ancient rock walls rising around the patio. The smells of the moss and the forest beyond wafted into our nostrils — familiar and welcoming aromas.

A session to remember

We ended up with over five different backgrounds for shots. We both felt we were blessed to have had the chance to experience such a peaceful and lovely setting to work in.

As I hugged her and watched her walk to her car, the sounds of downtown Eureka Springs filled the air around us with the city’s serenade. I looked forward to a good night’s sleep in Ms. Bernhardt’s presence, after having a productive session with yet another beautiful lady.

I somehow thought Sarah would approve.