The Edward Gorey House, also known as the Elephant House, is the home on Cape Cod in which Edward Gorey—author, illustrator, puppeteer, and playwright—lived and worked from 1986 until his death in 2000.[1] The house currently serves as a museum celebrating Gorey's life and work.

Elephant House
The front exterior of the house in 2022.
Location8 Strawberry Lane,
Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, US
Coordinates41°42′19″N 70°14′33″W / 41.70528°N 70.24250°W / 41.70528; -70.24250
Edward Gorey House is located in Massachusetts
Edward Gorey House
Location of Elephant House in Massachusetts

Gorey had a respect and passion for animals, cats in particular. The activities of the house, from art education to interactive exhibits, reflect Gorey's support of animal welfare.

Description

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Gorey collected all sorts of objects; some of them discarded objects found at the side of the road. He arranged and displayed such items on his porch and in the rooms of the house. He also had a large collection of books and an overflowing library.[2]

Elephant House is also notable for the presence of a large southern magnolia tree in its yard, a species not usually found so far north.

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The Museum has a display of the Edward Gorey binding project.[3]

Preservation

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A 2002 grant from the Highland Street Foundation allowed the house to be purchased and the museum to be established.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ Cormier, Ray (15 December 2002). "Travel Advisory: Edward Gorey's House Opens to the Public". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  2. ^ McDermott, Kevin (September 2003). Elephant House: Or, The Home of Edward Gorey. Pomegranate. ISBN 978-0-7649-2495-8. – a photo essay on the house and Gorey's collections and life there
  3. ^ "The Edward Gorey Binding Project | edwardgoreyhouse". www.edwardgoreyhouse.org. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  4. ^ "About the Gorey House". Edward Gorey House.
  5. ^ "Edward Gorey House". Highland Street Foundation.
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