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Chair

Object Name:
Chair
Creator:
Low & Damon -- Furniture Maker
Date:
1819
Material:
Wood
Leather
Dimensions:
H-36.25 W-23.5 D-21.25 inches
Description:
Arm Chair. Made by Low & Damon, Concord, NH, for the New Hampshire State House, 1819. Modified "arrow-back" Windsor type, with rolled crest rail extending slightly beyond stiles at both sides; turned, cylindrical stiles each with encircling groove 4.75" from seat, above which fronts of stiles are flattened; stiles halved at tops to receive crest rail; four vertical spindles turned at upper and lower ends, having at the center a lozenge above an "arrow-shaped" section. Two S-curved arms with rolled ends each supported by three spindles, front spindles with urn turnings, four rear spindles repeating shape of those in chair back. U-shaped seat with slightly rounded front, upholstered over seat frame with black leather, except in spindle area where frame is exposed and outlined by a decorative groove. Stiles and two main arm supports all tenoned through seat frame. Front legs turned with vase and spool elements above main elongated baluster turning; tapered cylindrical feet below ring turnings. cylindrical rear legs with vase-turned tops and outcurving ends. Flat front stretcher 2 5/8 inches high, bows back and has cut-outs at ends. Three other stretchers are lozenge-shaped. Right stretcher replaced. Mahogany arms and chestnut seat frame. Painted off-white, except arms, and grained; black striping, sometimes accented with yellow. Rectangular panels with incurved corners painted at centers of crest rail and front stretcher, with half panels, oriented vertically, at ends of crest rail; all panels filled with pattern of undulating lines; against this ground on center of panel of crest is a painted representation of the state seal surrounded by a symmetrical design of acanthus scrolls, main features of seal being a ship on the stocks with rising sun in background. Both arms have been broken near juncture with stiles. Row of nail holes around front of seat on underside, suggesting upholstery is not original. Seat frame made in four pieces. Roll of crest rail formed by applying strip to its back. Arms tenoned through stiles. One of a set of five.
Provenance:
One of a set of five chairs which were part of the original furnishings of the State House, Concord, NH (built 1816-1819), and for which Concord chairmakers and painters Low & Damon were paid. Low & Damon were in business in Concord, NH 1806-1826.
Place of Origin:
Concord, NH
Collection Name:
Inventory
Item Number:
1888.005.02.5
Accession Number:
1888.005
Type of Material:
Objects
Copyright Statement:
For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the New Hampshire Historical Society
Credit Line:
Gift of the State of New Hampshire
Participating Organization:
New Hampshire Historical Society
Alert: Member Access Only

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