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Julia Smith Berrall

  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

At our 100th Birthday Party and the 2026 Art in Bloom at the Montclair Art Museum, the following homage was prominently featured about a wonderful woman and committed citizen of Montclair.


Julia Smith Berrall
Julia Smith Berrall

Julia Berrall:

Homage from the Garden Club of Montclair


Julia Smith Berrall (1904-1995) was an inspiration, a mentor, and a lifelong friend to the Garden Club of Montclair, whose members have contributed to this year’s Art in Bloom display.

 

Julia was born on May 4, 1904, in Montclair. A graduate of Vassar College, she majored in musical studies and subsequently became a concert pianist. Later, Julia served both the Newark Museum of Art and Montclair Art Museum in various capacities for over 50 years. A longtime trustee of the Montclair Art Museum, she curated a significant number of tasteful and popular exhibitions of costumes from a variety of eras, including her first show American Costumes: 750 Years of Fashion, held in 1933.


Throughout her life, Julia exhibited a great love for flowers, gardens, and their history. She maintained a spectacular garden at her Montclair home and presented lectures on gardens throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, American Horticultural Society, and Williamsburg Garden Society. She also led historical tours in the U.S., England, and France.

 

Julia received an honor from the Cloud d'Or des Jardin, a select organization of garden authors specializing in history. She was recognized by The National Council of State Garden Clubs and the Garden Club of America. As an instructor for National Garden Clubs, she lectured in their Flower Show School program. She published many books, the last one in 2010, entitled Early American Garden Bouquets.


The floral arrangement on this page was created by Brenda Bingham, friend and student of Julia, to commemorate her life and influence on the club. The arrangement was displayed at the club's 100th birthday celebration on April 27, 2026, along with the above tribute..














 
 
 

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