Side chair

Date1832-1843

Possibly by Hitchcock and Alford

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Hitchcocksville (possibly)

MediumMaple, spruce, rush, and paint

DimensionsOH: 33"; OW: 17"; seat D: 16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972.2000.9

DescriptionAppearance: Black painted Hitchcock chair with simulated rosewood graining with stenciled and free-hand designed; roll top crest rail over one wide rectangular slat and one narrow slat; rush seat (not original- originally caned seat) with corner blocks; turned front legs with gold paint on the bands of ring turnings; turned front and rear stretches and two side stretchers on each side.

Decoration: Arrows pointing downward on side slats; roll top crest rail has same stenciled design as the front of the seat; a floral motif of fruit and leaves is on the center horizontal rail which is banded in gold; back legs and stretchers plain; Hitchcock and Alford's stenciled is on a non-original applied panel behind the seat.
Label TextAmong the most familiar decorated chairs are those that were made by Lambert Hitchcock (1795-1852) at his factory in Hitchcockville (now Riverton) Connecticut. This chair dates to around 1832-1843 when Hitchcock manufactured chairs in partnership with Arba Alford (1807-1881). The Hitchcock and Alford stencil on the rear seat rail of the chair, however, is not original to the chair and does not match any known labels by the company. It is a spurious label that was probably added to this 19th century chair in the early 20th century.

This type of stylish, mass-produced chairs were first coated with red and black graining, then paper stencils were applied and brushed with bronze powder using small velvet or leather pads. The variety of decoration that could be achieved with these stencils was unlimited because they could be used in numerous combinations. These alternatives to city-made fancy chairs sold for $1.50 each.
Inscribed"HITCHCOCK & ALFORD. HITCHCOCKS.VILLE. CONN./ WARRANTED."

Note - this label does not match other known Hitchcock, Alford & Co labels. It is also on a applied piece that would not have been present on the chair originally when the chair had a cane seat.

Exhibition(s)