Images(2)

Garden Bench

Dateca. 1830

MediumIron

DimensionsOH: 38"; OW: 56"; OD: 21 1/2"

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family.

Object number1996.BH.799

DescriptionRegency wrought iron curved-back love seat garden bench. Slightly curved wrought iron double-back garden seat with reeded, flat strapwork seat rails, legs, and back components. Seat formed by rails and seven reeded slats supported by rods and reeded strapwork. Five rounded (three front and two rear at ends), domed pad feet continue into reeded legs. End front legs continue up to form arms, joining stile at top. Rear legs continue up into back as stiles. Reeded flat, double-arched crest rail with mirror shape below over large arch between end stiles with segmental arches crossing in center of individual backs to meet at medial stile and stay rail. Rod front to back stretchers between end legs and diagonal braces from end stretcher to center leg, underside of seat.Label TextFrom the late 18th into the early 19th century, wrought iron garden furniture ornamented elegant British gardens. Created of delicate, but durable strapwork, these benches provided delight and respite. The fashion for these pieces revived in America in the early 20th century after decades of more massive cast iron garden seats. Following this trend, Mrs. Rockefeller acquired a group of such pieces for her garden at Bassett Hall.ProvenanceRichard W. Lehns Inc., N.Y.C. Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr., April 1937.