Side chair, bow-back Windsor

Date1800-1820

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Petersburg (probably)

MediumTulip poplar, hickory or ash, and maple

DimensionsOH: 37 7/8"; OH(seat): 16 7/8"; OW: 17"; OD: 16 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-140

DescriptionWindsor side chair: Bow back made of a continous strip of wood with incised line outlining front edges; nine bamboo turned spindles in back; shaped saddle seat braced by two side and one medial bamboo turned stretchers; heavily repainted but original mustard yellow paint shows underneath.

Woods: Seat: tulip poplar; spindles and bow: hickory or ash; legs: maple
ProvenanceIn 1880, this set of chairs was purchased by members of the Spotswood family in Petersburg, Va., from the estate auction of John E. Lemoine of that city. The sale included Lemoine's house and lot on Old Street and household furniture "consisting of CARPETS, BEDSTEADS, FEATHER BEDS, MATTRESSES, CHAIRS, TABLES, SIDEBOARD, BOOKS, BOOK CASES, and many useful articles." These six chairs, along with other Spotswood family possessions, were placed on loan to CWF in 1933 and became a gift in 1981.