Images(2)

Garden Bench

Dateca. 1830

MediumIron

DimensionsOH: 36 3/4"; OW: 76 3/4"; OD: 23 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.801

DescriptionWrought iron roll arm garden bench. Bench with four reeded legs terminating in reeded domed paw feet; legs continue into stiles that curve outward from ends created scrolled arms with seven slats between them across top and arched strapwork below; seat formed by reeded seat rails and seven rods extending width of bench supported from below by seat rails and three medial front ot back rails; back of bench has three medial vertical components with fleur-de-lis finials at same position as medial rails with intersecting round and arched elements between them and creating a five-lobed scalloped crest rail; rod stretchers between front and rear legs with medial stretchers from middle of end stretchers to underside of center 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.