Sylvia Chamberlain is a mysterious, wealthy woman who lives in New York, but isn't frequently seen at the society events. She is a genuine expert in the creative arts and a great art collector, but is almost entirely excluded from high society because of her suspected past. Mrs. Chamberlain doesn't feature on season 2.
Biography[]
Early life[]
According to Oscar van Rhijn, it is well known that Sylvia lived as Augustus Chamberlain's mistress for years before his first wife died, after which they could marry. Her husband is what many would call "new people", having made his fortune earlier in the 19th century. Sylvia claims that Augustus and his first wife did not know what to do with the money he had earned, and that she helped him build a life out of it. She curates a vast an impressive art collection. Sylvia and Augustus have a son, who was clearly born outside of wedlock, and after they married, they claimed that they "adopted him." The Chamberlains moved to New York, and were mostly excluded from "old money" high society, although sometimes they were included in events due to their extreme wealth (though many believed her money was "tainted".) Her son later moved away to Chicago. Their home in New York is grand and palatial, and is filled with French art.[1][2]
Season 1[]
Mrs. Chamberlain is invited to a charity event hosted by Aurora Fane and Anne Morris, though nobody appears to wish to speak to her. The event is attended by Ada and Marian Brook, as well as Bertha and Gladys Russell. When Marian mentions Mrs. Chamberlain to her aunt, Agnes van Rhijn, she is appalled that Aurora would invite her, and tells Marian not to talk to the woman if she sees her again.[3]
She later attends the charity bazaar, and approaches Marian's stall. Marian is kind to Mrs. Chamberlain despite her aunt's warning, and after she departs, Agnes approaches, trying to make herself more clear by explaining that Chamberlain's money is "tainted" and that her company is not suitable for a young lady at all.[4] Ada later attempts to explain the exact cause of Mrs. Chamberlain's reputation to Marian, although Marian does not seem to fully understand Ada's phrasing.[1]
Mrs. Chamberlain encounters Marian Brook in a shop with the latter's chaperone, Peggy Scott, while she is shopping for an ornate woodcarving. Marian compliments her taste, and they exchange a polite conversation before Mrs. Chamberlain leaves the store. She later sends the woodcarving to Marian at the van Rhijn's house as a gift. However, Marian later arrives to return the present, explaining that her aunt would not let her keep it, as she did not want to explain who had sent it to her. Mrs. Chamberlain converses with Marian for a time about her past and her art collection, and appreciates that the young woman is not judgemental, but is understanding when Marian needs to depart.[2]
Quotes[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 3: "Face The Music"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 4: "A Long Ladder"
- ↑ The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 1: "Never The New"
- ↑ The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 2: "Money Isn't Everything"