Last evening’s well-attended and highly deserved tribute to Margaret Livingston featured guest speakers Paul Zahl, the former deacon of The Cathedral Church of the Advent and Margaret’s pastor, and Gail Andrews, the former Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Both speakers emphasized Margaret’s remarkable energy, unwavering enthusiasm, keen intelligence, genuine warmth, and fervent dedication to the museum. Gail highlighted her significant contributions to increasing attendance, enhancing educational programs, and enriching the museum’s collections.
Birmingham Historical Society Director, Marjorie White, points out features relevant to Margaret Livingston’s life that the artist Larry Rivers included in the painting commissioned by the museum.
Margaret Gresham Livingston by Larry Rivers, 1987. Oil on canvas mounted on foamcore, 97 x 60 x 5.5 in the Collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art; Museum purchase 1987.32,
Audio recording of BHS Director Marjorie White’s remarks on the Larry Rivers painting (recorded by Margaret Meadows Livingston)
Paul Zahl with Marjorie White
Paul Zahl led the evening with a “Bidding Prayer” which he explained, rather than a euology, summarizes aspects of the person’s life, excerpted below:
“We give thanks to Thee for Margaret’s brilliant intelligence married to warmth, sincere openness, and also determination. We thank Thee for her generous and open heart. I thank Thee for her interior life, her unity even now with Thee….in Thy everlasting arms forever.”
-Reverend Paul Zahl
Audio recording of Paul Zahl, former Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, paying tribute to Margaret Gresham Livingston (recorded by Mary Meadows Livingston)
While the evening was originally planned to celebrate her 100th birthday, sadly she didn’t live to receive the accolades that she received.
The evening began with cocktails in the sculpture garden of the Birmingham Museum of Art, followed by a seated dinner. Margaret’s family was in attendance, along with museum benefactors, friends, and BHS Heritage Society members.
Margaret’s children & grandchildren in attendance with her portrait by Larry Rivers. (Left to right, Paul Weiner, Mary Margaret Livingston Hindman, Dr. Elizabeth Livingston, Kathy Livingston Rutledge, Katie Nelson, Dr. Sarah Weiner, Jim Livingston, Jr.)
The museum’s commissioned choice of artist Larry Rivers reflected Margaret’s wish that the museum expand its collection of traditional art to include popular contemporary and ‘pop art’ among other styles.
Bottom left, former Birmimgham Museum of Art Director, Gail Andrews (photos by BHS volunteer, Katie Tipton)Audio Recording of former Birmingham Museum of Art Director, Gail Andrews on Margaret Livingston’s contribution to the museum (recorded by Margaret Meadows Livingston)The evening started with cocktails in the sculpture garden of the Birmingham Museum of Art followed by a seated dinner in the main lobby area.
Thank you Margaret Gresham Livingston for your life, your passion, your legacy, and your contribution to a better quality of life in Birmingham.
This weekend, the Birmingham Historical Society will host its annual Heritage Society gathering at the Birmingham Museum of Art, honoring the legacy of Margaret Livingston. As a staunch advocate for the enhancement of the museum’s collections and its art education initiatives, she exemplified dedication and vision, playing a pivotal role in the museum’s growth and accomplishments. Her extensive knowledge, fervent enthusiasm, and steadfast advocacy were profoundly valued by six directors (three while she was chairman of the board) who served over the course of 70 years, all while she refrained from seeking recognition for her efforts. Consequently, this tribute serves to highlight the significant contributions she rightfully deserves.
The portrait by Larry Rivers displayed above was commissioned by the Museum for its contemporary collection. Although the artwork was created in his New York studio, Rivers requested photographs depicting scenes from Birmingham, images of Margaret’s family, and elements from the museum’s collection to incorporate into the background. The result is a contemporary montage that encapsulates her life.
To join the Heritage Society and receive invitations to future events, please view more information here.
