Bel-Mede Porch Column

Date1770-1810

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Southampton County, Bel-Mede

MediumOak; Paint

Dimensions54 1/2" x 6" x 6"

Object numberAF-VA23185.6.1

DescriptionThis is a c.1770-1810 porch column with chamfered sides. This porch column style is achieved when 90-degree edges on a square postare are cut away at 45 degree angles to create flat, beveled edges/chamfers. This creates a more elegant, finished look than standard square posts without using ornate classical fluting.Label TextThis column with chamfered sides was removed from a house built in 1770 in Southampton County. The house, which had fallen into disrepair, was carefully dismantled, and moved to Williamsburg in 1940. This column was not reused, and instead came into the Foundation's architectural collection where it served as a model for the columns you now see on several Historic Area porches, including on the rear of the James Anderson House.ProvenanceBel-Mede