Nashville Public Television documentary ‘Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature’ Premieres 8 p.m. Thursday, June 22

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Cheekwood completes a major renovation to return much of the house and gardens to their original glory. At this pivotal moment of rebirth, Nashville Public Television’s original documentary, “Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature” ventures behind the scenes for an in-depth look at the mansion and grounds. The 30-minute program premieres 8 p.m. Thursday, June 22 on Nashville Public Television.

“Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature” illuminates the estate’s genesis in European aspirations that resulted in a uniquely American architectural movement. Cheekwood was built between two world wars, from 1929 to 1932, as a house intimately connected to its landscape – a showplace, yet a private home. The house employed innovative engineering, but was designed to look old. Cheekwood survives for public enjoyment as one of the few complete examples of the American Country Place Era, a magnificent blend of architecture, landscape and interior design.

The documentary also analyzes the inspired design of Cheekwood’s under-recognized architect, Bryant Fleming. This program provides viewers with an important visual exploration of a unique time in American history.

Others appearing in the film: Jane MacLeod, Cheekwood’s president & CEO; Leslie Jones, Cheekwood’s senior vice president of museum affairs & curator of decorative arts; architectural historian Hugh Howard; Carroll Van West, director of MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation; Carole Bucy, Davidson County historian and professor of history, Volunteer State Community College; and author Gayle Knight.

“Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature” was produced by filmmaker Mary Makley, whose most recent documentary for Nashville Public Television was “Aging Matters: Living with Alzheimer’s & Dementia.” Makley was also executive producer and producer of Nashville Public Television’s award-winning “Children’s Health Crisis” documentary series.

Nashville Public Television’s “Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature” is made possible by the generous support of Mrs. Lillian ‘Tooty’ Bradford; Carlene Lebous and Harris Haston; Tricia and William Hastings; and Linde and Blair Wilson.

Additional broadcast times for “Cheekwood: A Masterpiece by Man & Nature” are below; the documentary will also be available for online viewing at www.wnpt.org.

•             8 a.m. Monday, June 26 on NPT2

•             1 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 on NPT2

•             5 p.m. Saturday, July 22 on NPT2

•             1 p.m. Sunday, July 23 on NPT2

About Nashville Public Television

Nashville Public Television, Nashville’s PBS station, is available free and over-the-air to nearly 2.4 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky viewing area, through its main NPT and secondary NPT2 channels, and to anyone in the world through its stable of NPT Digital services, including wnpt.org, YouTube and the PBS video app. The mission of NPT is to provide, through the power of traditional television and interactive digital communications, high quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve.

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Featured photo: Caitlin Harris