Meet Patricia Altschul, an American socialite, art collector, and television personality. You may recognize her from the popular reality TV series ‘Southern Charm’, where she captivated audiences with her charm and wit. Not only has she gained the admiration of fans, but she has also caught the attention of celebrities like Lady Gaga. As the widow of banking mogul Arthur Altschul, Patricia continues to carry on his legacy as a renowned art collector and philanthropist. Her dedication to social work is evident through her involvement with various non-profit organizations, including the New York Historical Society and Historic Hudson Valley. Patricia’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Woman of the Year award by the Police Athletic League of New York City and the Carolopolis Award from the Preservation Society of Charleston. Her passion for preservation is exemplified by her remarkable renovation work on the historic Isaac Jenkins Mikell House in Charleston, South Carolina, which earned her recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Patricia Altschul is truly a remarkable individual making a positive impact in both the art world and society as a whole.
Quick Facts
- Age: 82 Years
- Gender: Female
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Arthur Altschul (m. 1996–2002), Edward Stitt Fleming (m. 1989–1995), L. Hayes Smith (m. 1962–1979)
- Father: Walter Pettus Dey
- Mother: Francis Pearl Sudler Dey
- Children: Whitney Sudler-Smith
- Occupation: Socialite, Reality TV Personality
- U.S. State: Florida
- Education: George Washington University
Rise to Fame
Patricia Altschul initially worked as a lecturer in art history at the George Washington University. She later started her own art dealership called Arcadia, where she handled paintings by renowned artists such as Martin Johnson Heade and Winslow Homer.
Marriages and Connections
Patricia Altschul has been married three times. Her first husband was L. Hayes Smith, whom she was married to from 1962 to 1979. From 1989 to 1995, she was married to Edward Stitt Fleming, a doctor and entrepreneur. After their divorce, she married Arthur G. Altschul, a banking mogul and art collector who was also the chairman of Barnard College and a member of various art boards.
Involvement in Art and Society
Patricia Altschul was named to the Board of the New York Historical Society and the Rockefeller family Hudson Hills Trust. She and her husband were often seen socializing with notable figures such as Donald Trump and his wife Melania, Georgett Mosbacher, and Carolyn Roehm. Arthur Altschul passed away in 2002.
Move to Charleston
In 2008, Patricia Altschul decided to leave her house in New York and move to Charleston. She purchased the historical Isaac Jenkins Mikell House, a grand Greek Revival residence built in 1853-1854. The house was previously used as a public library and later converted into a private residence.
Reality TV and Southern Charm
Patricia Altschul is also known for her appearance on the reality TV series ‘Southern Charm’. Her son Whitney Sudler-Smith, who is a co-producer of the show, convinced her to participate. The show has been on air since 2014 and has gained a significant following. Patricia’s role on the show has been well-received by fans and has even caught the attention of celebrities like Lady Gaga.
Personal Life
Patricia Altschul was born on April 16, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Marymount School and Olney Friends School before pursuing her BA and MA in Art History at the George Washington University. She has one son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, who is a filmmaker and TV producer. Patricia has been married three times, with her last husband, Arthur G. Altschul, passing away in 2002.