Shelby's Social Diary
Rienzi Society dinner brings historic home to life
Eighty generous supporters of Rienzi, the European decorative arts home of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, brought the museum home to life on Tuesday evening during the annual Rienzi Society Dinner.
With Rosanette and Harry Cullen joining Isla and Tommy Reckling III as chairs, the low-key fundraising dinner was sure to attract a decidedly Old Guard contingent. And, of course, it did.
Tradition holds that money raised from the evening is used to acquire antique decorative arts selected by vote of the dinner guests from a pool of treasures presented by Rienzi curators. On this evening the group "purchased" a set of 10 beautifully-enameled wine glasses attributed to James Giles of England, circa 1718-1780, and a pair of sterling silver English sauceboats by Paul Crespin.
With dinner by Jackson & Co., flowers by Mark Anthony and background music by the Matthew Dietrick Trio, it was, by all accounts, a lovely evening.
On a special decorative note, crystal swan placeholders at each table referenced the swan on the Masterson family crest. Rienzi was the home of Harris and Carroll Masterson, who bequeathed it to the MFAH on their death. Her daughter, Isla Reckling, continues the tradition of supporting Rienzi by serving as a life member of the society along with her husband. T.R. Reckling III.