Wetherburn's Tavern Interior Door

Dateca.1758

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Wetherburn's Tavern

MediumYellow Pine; Paint: multiple layers on both sides

Dimensions70 3/4" H x 30 3/4" W x 1 1/8" T Reverse side: (6) flat panels measured as follows: top two panels measure 11 1/4" x 8 1/4"; the middle two (2) panels measure 21 5/8" x 11 1/4"; the bottom two (2) panels measure 19 1/2" x 11 1/4". Obverse side: (6) raised panels measured as follows: top two panels measure 12 1/8" - 12 3/8" x 9"; middle two panels measure 22 1/2"; bottom two panels measure 12 1/8" - 12 3/8" x 20 1/4".

Object numberAF-9.31.1

DescriptionThe door has six raised panels on one side and six flat panels on the other. On the raised panel side, ten paint analysis squares reveal four paint layers, including dark brown, white, gray and white before the wood substrate. On the left side, one oval-shaped, modern brass escutcheon remains in place secured by two screws. A large round metal rose painted black remains in place secured by two screws. Evidence for the wood patch of the earlier lock has been plastered over and painted. There is a rectangular ghost mark visible to the left of the hardware. On the right side, the stile has been heavily damaged and patched although the paint layers obscure the exact placement of holes. The top and sides of this door were cut down at some point to fit a smaller opening.
Label TextLike most 18th-century doors, this example from Wetherburn's Tavern has raised panels on one side and flat panels (shown here) on the other. Raised panels were more expensive to make and usually faced more public or important spaces; flat panels faced less prominent spaces.
InscribedSmall addition [mathematical] equation written in pencil in the center of the middle [panel], reading: "7[ft] 3/4[in] / 2[ft] 3 3/8[in] / 9[ft]4 1/8[in]" and further below, reading: "27 3/8".
ProvenanceWetherburn's Tavern