I noted the spice box that sold at Freeman’s last December was missing its door. The contents of most spice boxes were protected by doors having iron locks that could only be opened by someone in possession of the key. (Two surviving spice boxes are made in the form of a chest of drawers on … Continue reading The Missing Door
Woodworking
Bartram Family Joiner Chest of Drawers
Lightening has struck twice. At least it has at Freeman's in Philadelphia. Another object that can be attributed to the Bartram Family Joiner is scheduled to be sold in their auction American Furniture, Folk, and Decorative Arts, 15 November 2017. In December 2016, less than a year ago, Freeman’s sold a spice box attributed to … Continue reading Bartram Family Joiner Chest of Drawers
John Grass Wood Turning Company Lament
“The history of the John Grass Wood Turning Company points out the great changes that have taken place in the manufacturing process over the past century and a half. The fact that the structure and machinery are in essentially the same place and condition as when the firm was founded is remarkable. Both the skill … Continue reading John Grass Wood Turning Company Lament
Daniel Jackson’s Unicorn Rocker
There is presently a rare opportunity to see the work of Daniel Kemper Jackson (October 18, 1938- August 3, 1995) in person. Dan’s Rocking Unicorn is on currently on display at the Moderne Gallery, 111 North Third Street, Philadelphia. A public viewing has not been possible since its creation in 1974. It was a private … Continue reading Daniel Jackson’s Unicorn Rocker
Secondary Wood Species Part 2
In the previous post I characterized and illustrated the species that comprise the majority of the secondary woods encountered in Delaware River Valley furniture made before 1740 – white oak, Atlantic white cedar, and the hard pines. Another hardwood can be found used as a secondary wood in eighteenth century Delaware River Valley furniture more … Continue reading Secondary Wood Species Part 2
In Proportion to the Trouble 