Stove Plate
Dateca.1792-1800
Manufactured by
Keep-Tryst Furnace
Made under direction of
George North & Co.
MediumCast iron
DimensionsOverall: 18 x 23 5/8 x 3/4in. (45.7 x 60 x 1.9cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1992-125
DescriptionRectangular cast iron side panel from a six plate stove with a raised molded frame. Central device of an urn connected to ribbons by swagged garlands. Ribbons bear the name of the ironmaster's firm, GEORGE NORTH & C. Below appears the name of the works, KEEP-TRYST FURNANCE, on a rectangular tablet.Label TextThis attractive neoclassical stove plate was cast at the Keep Tryst (or Triste) Furnace, which began producing iron wares in 1764 under ironmaster John Semple. By the late 1780s, the furnace and ore field had been acquired by "Light Horse Harry" Lee of Revolutionary fame, and later father of Robert E. Lee. Lee then sold these holdings in 1794 to a partnership formed by John Potts. Jr., William Wilson, Robert Hobart and ironmaster George North, though the company was named solely for the latter. By 1800, the iron furnace and ore fields has been sold to the United States Government with the idea that the works would become a "National Foundry" to produce cannon and artillery ammunition for the military, an idea that never came to fruition. Having been in business for only five or six years, few of George North & Co.'s products survive, and include at least two other "Keep Tryst" stove plates identical to Colonial Williamsburg's example.
