Cornice from Tazewell Hall

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Tazewell Hall

MediumSouthern yellow pine; Paint; Iron

Dimensions11" x 8.25" x 8" (dimensions of assembly); 8.25" x 8" x 1.25" (soffit)

Object numberAF-44.3K.3

DescriptionThis section of interior cornice has a modillion block and a bottom fascia with dentils. There are four wrought brads visible in bed mold and two 2 smaller brads visible below the dentils. One large wrought nail secures the modillion block from the reverse. There are two large wrought nails in the soffit. Two dentils are missing and there is evidence of adhesive on the reverse suggesting they were repaired and broke off again. The soffit and modillion block have the most paint evidence remaining.Label TextArchitectural pieces represent buildings, people, and history. This interior cornice section is from Tazewell Hall, built between 1730 and 1760 by the Randolph family and located where the Williamsburg Lodge is today. Peyton Randolph inherited the property in 1745, and deeded it to his brother, John, in 1758. When the revolution broke out, the brothers were deeply divided. Loyalist John, his Majesty’s Attorney General for the colony of Virginia, fled with his family to England. Patriot Peyton served as President of the first and third Continental Congresses. This architectural artifact offers us the ability to compare different mid-18th century paint colors used by the brothers in Tazewell Hall and the Peyton Randolph House.ProvenanceTazewell Hall