Chair

Object Name:

Chair

Object ID:

1936.011

Place of Origin:

probably MA or NH

Date:

1750-1800

Description:

Side Chair. "Banister-back" type, with crest rail framed between stiles of back and having curved upper edge with small trapezoidal projection upward at center and arches at either side; turned stiles with baluster, ball, ring and cylindrical elements above lower back rail, cylindrical section continuous with leg below back rail; turned mushroom finials with buttons at top; four split balusters, flat on front and rounded on reverse, repeating turnings of stiles; balusters supported on horizontal rail above rush seat. Cylindrical front legs, extending above height of seat rails, with ring turnings and tapered feet. Cylindrical back legs tapered at base. Seven turned stretchers--two front ones having relatively simple baluster turnings, two on each side and one at back being plain and cylindrical. Painted black; evidence of former light green paint. Stretchers seem to be ash. Second baluster from left broken and repaired.

Material:

Wood
Grass

Dimensions:

H-43.375 W-0.125 D-14.25 inches

Provenance:

Said to have belonged to Sarah Thompson, Countess Rumford (1774-1852), who spent several years of her life in Concord, NH. No evidence that donor was related to Countess. Chair may have been purchased at the auction of her effects, as was 1967.518. In 1957 the granddaughter of the donor identified this chair from among three possibilities in the collection as the one she remembered in her grandparents' home.

Credit Line:

Gift of Frank Dimond

People:

Thompson, Sarah (1774-1852)