Civil War Mural
Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, CFD
Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, CFD
2022 installation
2nd Floor - Key Room
The Inspiration
Title: The Order of the Loyal Legion was Born out of Cruel Civil War
Artist/Creator: H. Siddons Mowbray
Date of Creation: 1909
The walls and ceiling of the room where the Andersons formally greeted their guests, are covered with allegorical murals illustrating Larz’s lineage and other historical events in which he and his ancestors participated, painted by by H. Siddons Mowbray in 1909. The south wall mural, The Order of the Loyal Legion was Born out of Cruel Civil War , depicts the American Civil War and the participation of two ancestors. The central allegorical figures represent (l to r): a winged figure breaking the bonds of slavery, the North with a federal shield and its left hand outstretched to restrain the aggressor, the South with cotton branches and a sword raised in hostility, and War brandishing a spear. At far right, Fort Sumter burns, representing Larz’s great uncle, Robert Anderson, the Union commander of the fort when war broke out in 1861. At far left, the officer on horseback represents Larz’s father, Nicholas Longworth Anderson, who led the Sixth Ohio (Guthrie Grays) Regiment of the Union army.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: From this grand mural, I choose to interpret the archangel Uriel, master of knowledge and wisdom, holding his spear and torch. In my design I used the straight bold lines of gold bamboo for his armaments. A veiled cape of gold holds the colors and lush textures of his flowing attire: peachy, gold Cymbidium Orchids, smooth burgundy Calla Lilies, deep blue Thistle Eryngium and rich brown & sprayed Magnolia leaves. I have added more depth and rhythm by adding swirls a sky blue yarn. And finally the twisted metal vase as the straps of his boots.
THE DESIGNER
Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, CFD
Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, CFD
Betty Ann is a certified floral designer with a true passion for flowers and sharing this joy with others. In July 2019, she was inducted into the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Design) and in September 2021 became an AIFD Certified Evaluator & Judge. She currently instructs floral design classes at Green Spring Gardens & Twinbrook Floral as well as the Design Day workshops sponsored by NCAGC Judge Council. Before coming to NOVA she worked at Norfolk Botanical Garden, where she retired after 13 years as the Adult Education Director. In 2005 she launched the Floral Design Certificate Program at the Garden - the only floral design certificate program on the southern east coast. Currently she is freelancing mainly as a design instructor; she has worked in several floral shops and has had her own floral wedding business. She enters in many flower shows and is an Accredited Life Judge through the Federation of Garden Clubs. Since 2010, her floral interpretations of the arts have been displayed in Richmond during Fine Arts & Flowers, four times for the opening of the Virginia Arts Festival at Chrysler Hall and for years all the Virginia Stage Company's performances (both in Norfolk VA). A member of Floralia, Richmond Designer's Guild, Creative Floral Arrangers of the Americas, Five Hills Garden Club, Thoroughgood Garden Club and both the National Capital Area and Tidewater Judge’s Council. She has a biology degree from Mary Washington College of Virginia, has been happily married for 36 years and has two grown children and is a proud grandmom of three beautiful granddaughters and two grandsons.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Myron Fields Photography
After my first year of college studying music, I decided to take the business route. I worked for several Fortune 500 businesses and even some start-ups, but the more I studied photography, there was a growing desire to serve others while doing something I truly enjoyed - so, enter wedding photography!
Serving couples, families and individuals by creating authentic, bold and editorial images is such a privilege and something I look forward to each time I pick up the camera.
My specialties include: weddings, engagement sessions and portraits.
