Side chair, bow-back Windsor

Date1800-1820

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Petersburg (probably)

MediumTulip poplar, hickory or ash, and maple

DimensionsOH: 38"; H (seat): 16 1/4"; OW: 16 3/4"; OD: 16 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-138

DescriptionWindsor side chair: Bow back made of a continuous strip of wood with incised line outlining front edges; 9 bamboo turned spindles in back; shaped saddle seat with incised groove surrounding spindles; 4 raking bamboo turned legs braced by two sides and one medial bamboo turned stretchers; remnents of what appears to be original mustard yellow paint.

Woods: Spindles & bow: hickory or ash; seat: tulip poplar; legs: mapleMark(s)One 3-lobed brand mark on botom of seatProvenanceIn 1880, this set of chairs was purchased by members of the Spotswood family in Petersburg, Va., from the estate auction of John E. Lemoine of that city. The sale included Lemoine's house and lot on Old Street and household furniture "consisting of CARPETS, BEDSTEADS, FEATHER BEDS, MATTRESSES, CHAIRS, TABLES, SIDEBOARD, BOOKS, BOOK CASES, and many useful articles." These six chairs, along with other Spotswood family possessions, were placed on loan to CWF in 1933 and became a gift in 1981.