Side chair

Date1740-1750

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumBlack walnut and white pine.

DimensionsOH: 43"; H(to seat): 16 7/8"; OW: 21"; OD: 22 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-106,A

DescriptionSide chair, splat back: shaped stiles, molded on outer edge, continue around corner top and terminate in molded scrolls; between scrolls at top is a short, arched cresting rail, molded on upper edge and faced with large, carved scallop shell; large, curved, roughly vase-shaped splat flanked at top by pairs of opposing scrolls on each side and terminating in high, rectangular base mortised into molded shoe; balloon seat veneered in two sections; cabriole front legs with shaped, shoulder brackets; carved scallop shell on knee; legs termiante in high, trifid feet; rear legs octagonal in cross-section. Note: seat rails mortised through rear legs in conventional Philadelphia manner. Needlework seat in wool and silk in tent and cross stitch in design of stylized flowers.
Label TextThis is one of a set of six chairs long been associated with Graeme Park, a Graeme family residence outside Philadelphia. The house was purchased by Abram Iredell and Anne (Penrose) Twining about 1840 from Graeme descendants and the set of chairs eventually was broken up among various Penrose and Twining heirs. This example was last privately owned by Iredell Twining, a grandson of Abram and Anne Twining. The embroidered slip seat probably was made by Elizabeth Twining (1737-1801), daughter of Thomas Graeme. Elizabeth Graeme married Henry Hugh Ferguson in 1772.
Markings"V" carved into slip seat frame at front.
ProvenanceAccording to tradition, this chair, along with five others in the set was supposed to have been made for Governor William Keith of Pennsylvania before 1728 when he returned to England. Chairs supposed to have been made for his country home, Graeme Park. Graeme Park purchased by Abram Iredell and Anne (Penrose) Twining about 1840 from relatives of Governor Keith. Set of chairs broken up among various Penrose and Twining descendants. This chair obtained by vendor from Iredell Twining, a grandson of Abram and Anne Twining. Slip seat probably made by Elizabeth Twining, (1737-1801) daughter of Thomas Graeme, a cousin of William Keith. Elizabeth Graeme married Henry Hugh Ferguson in 1772. (See correspondence in OF).

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