Robert Whiteside - Early Life

Early Life

Robert Whiteside was born on March 26, 1950 in Tupelo, Mississippi but was raised primarily in Texas. He moved to Dallas at age 10 and by this time, his family had already lived in 13 states. At age 13, Robert was passionate about being a musician; this led him to play several instruments including the cello, flute, oboe, saxophone, and the clarinet, which later became his major at North Texas State University. After college, he pursued the study of musical instrument repair. Robert first began metal work for musical instruments at the McCord Music Company in downtown Dallas and then quickly ventured on to goldsmithing He was first introduced to Fabergé eggs in 1972; in the same year he opened his first studio in Dallas. He obtained machines made in mid-19th century Europe, which was most famous by Fabergé, to create his eggs that have been valued from $100–50,000. Robert had also learned and produced unique guilloche enamel, also made famous by Fabergé, which is an engraved pattern resembling moiré silk that is seen through a translucent or clear enamel. Guilloche enamel was produced in the 18th century to as late as 1950 and is considered rare to be made. Whiteside was also an instrument rated private pilot and a member of the Rainbow Pilots Association. Another skill of Robert was in the culinary arts. He attended the Culinary Institute of New York and had also trained with his friends such as Christian Svalesen, who are chefs in Dallas, Tx. Robert founded his own restaurant that is located on the Veranda and was a chef that could rival those of Five-star restaurants.

Two of the most memorable moments for Robert were going to the White House to meet President Reagan and the First lady and to also meet Audrey Hepburn. Robert met Ms. Hepburn when he was chosen to create a picture frame during a UNICEF fundraiser, which housed an autographed picture of Ms. Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Much of the work produced by Whiteside was presented to and owned by the Reagan administration; other individuals include Lady Bird Johnson and several dignitaries including Queen Silvia of Sweden, Crown Princess Michiko of Japan and the wives of Chancellor Kohl of West Germany, Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan, Prime Minister Chirac of France, Prime Minister Mulroney of Canada, President Duarte of El Salvador and President Sarney of Brazil (5). Another important event for Robert’s work appeared in a commercial for Lincoln Mercury. The original intent for the commercial was to have Forbes loan the Fabergé Coronation egg, however, curator Margaret Kelly, suggested that the car company contact Robert Whiteside to use one of his eggs in order to overcome expensive insurance and security needed to obtain the Fabergé Coronation egg.

In 1992, Robert purchased the old Johnson farm house that was located in the western outskirt of Mt. Vernon and moved it to a 68-acre (280,000 m2) estate located off FM 21 near Hopewell Community in south-central Franklin County in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Robert, in 1995, made a drastic change and moved his Dallas studio located on Inwood Rd. and Lovers Lane to a shop he built on the property. Robert continued to work on his art projects here. He opened up the Veranda Bed, Breakfast and Restaurant in 1998 and has been operating for over 10 years.

Robert Whiteside was an artist and humanitarian. Robert was a participant in community awareness support and services. Robert’s most recent activity for his community was in setting up a music foundation for developing, teaching and performance of music. He was the appointed director of the Mt. Vernon Music board. Robert, along with the founders of this venue had goals to raise money for the purpose of supporting and stimulating awareness in the community for the need of music. His involvement in several community groups and activities was an inspiring attribute to his character. Robert also participated in various teaching positions from table etiquette for the competitors in the Miss Mount Vernon Scholarship Pageant to metallurgy for a group of welders.

Robert, a man not only known for his talents, has shown his generosity by donating his abilities. In 1987, Robert along with Gump’s, created Faberge-inspired table settings for the Crystal Charity Ball. The table setting theme created for six consisted of gilded sterling silver, royal blue guilloche enamel. All the items created for this event included: Six place card holders enhanced by a small vermeil bow and two cultured pearl feet, six pair of salt and pepper shakers accented by four cultured pearl feet, six cylindrical columned candlesticks, six napkin rings accented at each edge by a vermeil border, and for the crowning glory, a stunning Faberge inspired presentation egg mounted on Brazilian Rock crystal base. This Faberge egg was hinged with clock movement contained within the lid for display when the egg is opened. Robert had also contributed to the Fighting AIDS fundraiser by designing a jacket for Design Industries Foundation, that had sold for a large amount. Another display Robert opted for was at the invitation of Anita Madden of Louisville, Kentucky. Robert work was representative of the Kentucky Derby Eve Party. He described the theme of his work as “horsy”.