Images(2)

Child's armchair

Date1880-1900

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Richmond area (possibly)

MediumHickory and ash

DimensionsOH: 19 3/8"; OW: 13 3/4"; OD: 13 1/2": SD: 10 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Chips Houghland

Object number2013.2000.1

DescriptionChild's slat-back armchair; chair with two rectangular curved slats mortised into outcurving stiles with flattened front faces; rear legs integral with stiles are slightly rounded and tapered below seat; trapezoidal woven splint seat; front legs are rounded and slightly tapered and are integral with the arms, extending up above the seat and arching back around to create horizontal arms joined with the stiles; arms are flattened on front face and shaped under curved portion; rounded front, side, and rear stretchers.
InscribedIn pencil on the back of the slat "This Chair belongs to .....ola Alston"
ProvenanceThe donor's mother purchased this chair in 1928 off the porch of an African American woman's home on Clay or Marshall Street in Richmond, Virginia for $10. The donor's mother was an artist who taught art at John Marshall High School at that time. Donor was photographed sitting in the chair when he was about 3-4 years old in 1938-1939.