Desk and Bookcase

Object Name:

Desk and Bookcase

Object ID:

2020.012.01

Creator:

Clark, Joseph (1767-1851) -- Cabinetmaker

Place of Origin:

Portsmouth/Greenland, NH

Date:

circa 1810

Description:

Writing desk. Attributed to Joseph Clark (1767-1851), Greenland, Portsmouth, and Wolfeboro, NH. Mahogany with satinwood and birdseye maple veneers. Lady's two-part writing desk; cupboard on four-drawer case. Left cupboard door opens to reveal two drawers and three pigeonholes. Central compartment with medial shelf and two drawers. Open right compartment. Lower case with fold-out writing surface over four graduated full-width drawers. Skirt with veneered drop panel. French splayed bracket feet. Upper and lower case with alternating wood string inlay. Retains original hardware.

Material:

Wood
Mahogany

Dimensions:

H-49 W-37 D-20 inches

Provenance:

One of two pieces that were made for and owned by Joseph Clark's daughter, Mary Moody (Clark) Avery (1795-1876), who married Samuel Avery (1785-1858), January 13, 1814. From the Avery house in Wolfeboro, NH. Lots 130 and 133 purchased by the donors at July 30, 2020, Eldred's Auction, East Dennis, MA.

The son of Greenleaf Clark and Mary Moody, Joseph Clark was born in 1767 in Greenland, NH. He married Comfort Weeks in 1792 in Greenland. The Clarks moved to Wolfeboro in 1817. Joseph Clark died there in 1851. His son, Enoch Moody Clark (1802-1865), took over the cabinetmaking business in 1830.

Credit Line:

Gift of William W. Upton and Mr. and Mrs. James L. Garvin

People:

Clark, Joseph (1767-1851), Avery, Mary M. (1795-1876), Avery, Samuel (1785-1858)