Robert Whiteside (March 26, 1950 – October 30, 2006) was an American artist known for re-creations of Fabergé eggs for celebrities and dignitaries across the globe. His talents extended well beyond that of an artist; many considered him a modern Renaissance man. He was a musician, painter, chef, pilot, and a restaurant owner on his bed and breakfast, the Veranda. Whiteside's works have been granted as Gifts of State from the Reagan Administration, which also held a collection. Early life Robert Whiteside was born on March 26, 1950, in Tupelo, Mississippi, but was raised primarily in Texas. He moved to Dallas with his family at age 10; by that time they had already lived in thirteen states. By age 13, Robert was passionate about being a musician. His primary instrument, clarinet, would become his major at North Texas State University; he also played cello, flute, oboe, and saxophone as a youth. Career After college, Whiteside pursued the study of musical-instrument repair. Whiteside first began metal work for musical instruments at the McCord Music Company in downtown Dallas, 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 to create his eggs, which have been valued from $100 to $50,000. Whiteside also produced guilloché enamel, also made famous by Fabergé, which is an engraved pattern resembling moire silk that is seen through a translucent or clear enamel. Guilloché enamel was produced from the 18th century to about 1950 and is considered rare. Whiteside was also an instrument-rated private pilot and a member of the Rainbow Pilots Association. Another skill of Whiteside's 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. Whiteside founded his own restaurant, which was located on the Veranda, and was a chef who could rival those of five-star restaurants. Two of the most memorable moments for Whiteside were going to the White House to meet President Ronald Reagan and the First Lady, and meeting Audrey Hepburn. Whiteside met Hepburn when he was chosen during a UNICEF fundraiser to create a frame to house an autographed picture of Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Much of the work produced by Whiteside was presented