Images(2)

Side Chair

Dateca. 1750

OriginBermuda

MediumBermuda cedar

DimensionsOverall: 39 1/4 × 22 1/4 × 18 1/2in. (99.7 × 56.5 × 47cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edna G. Tucker and Ms. Wendy S. Tucker in memory of Edward Bolton (Teddy) Tucker, M.B.E.

Object number2024-24,A&B

DescriptionSplat-back side chair; trapezoidal seat frame contains upholstered slip seat; front seat rails rounded at the top and undercut at the bottom creating low arch, with a rounded drop in center of front skirt; cabriole front legs terminate in paneled trifid feet; squared rear legs with chamfered corners about 2" below seat rail; the flat-faced rear stiles curve inward at the top where they join the crest rail, terminating in carved volutes separated by a wide "yoke" center; the vase shaped splat tenons into a one piece molded shoe and rear seat rail. Side seat rails tenoned through stiles.
Label TextThis side chair descended in the Tucker family of Bermuda. Made of Bermuda cedar, the choice furniture wood on the island, the chair reflects European style influences of the mid-18th century with its vase shaped splat, cabriole legs and trifid feet. Colonial Williamsburg owns one other Bermuda chair of this form (2017-253) with pad feet and turned strethcers. While trifid feet appear with some frequency in mid-Atlantic furniture of the mid-18th century, likely influenced by Irish furniture design, the trifid foot chair is rarely found in Bermuda.
Inscribed"III" chiseled on front of rear seat rail.
ProvenanceCatharine Fitch Tucker [February 28, 1879-August 22,1970] gifted to nephew Edward Bolton (Teddy) Tucker, MBE [May 8, 1929-June 9, 2014]