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Chiswell-Bucktrout House Mantel
Chiswell-Bucktrout House Mantel

Chiswell-Bucktrout House Mantel

Date1770 - 1800
OriginEngland, Dorsetshire (probably)
MediumBlack Purbeck Limestone
Dimensions The object is currently in ten pieces: The shelf is broken into two large pieces: Piece H (PL): 17x128x8cm Piece I (PR): 16x80.9x8cm The friezes and quoin were initially one long piece that is now broken into three pieces: Piece E (PL): 25.5x85x3.4cm Piece F (quoin): 28x28x3.3cm Piece G (PR): 86x25.5x3.1cm The proper right jamb is missing. The proper left jamb is broken into five pieces: Pieces A & J (top of jamb, adhered together with caulk): 62x20x2.7cm Pieces B,C,D (bottom of jamb, separate pieces): 39x20x2.7cm
Object numberAF-2.17.1
DescriptionBlack Purbeck limestone with white fossils, originally polished smooth to a high sheen.
Label TextImported from England, this mantel was originally installed in Williamsburg's Chiswell-Bucktrout House, probably during a remodeling of that earlier building during the third quarter of the 18th century. It was moved to Wetherburn's Tavern in the late 19th century and remained there until that building was restored to its 18th-century appearance in 1966.
InscribedGrafitti on the top middle of frieze mantel reads "Elizabeth C. Drew of/ Richmond/ March 19th/ 1832." Decorative Arts Librarian Susan Shames identified this person as the daugher of Thomas Harrison Drew and Adeline Abbott and later the wife of Dr. Henry Francis Deane. Elizabeth was born in 1812. She, her parents, husband, and children are all buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia.
ProvenanceOriginally installed in the Chiswell-Bucktrout House, the mantel was moved to Wetherburn's Tavern in the 1890s and remained there until that building was restored in 1966.

There is a graffiti inscription at the top middle of frieze piece. The inscripton reads "Elizabeth C. Drew of/ Richmond/ March 19th/ 1832." Decorative Arts Librarian Susan Shames identified this person as the daughter of Thomas Harrison Drew and Adeline Abbott and later the wife of Dr. Henry Francis Deane. Elizabeth was born in 1812. She, her parents, husband, and children are all buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia.
Exhibition(s)