Label
This 19th-century William and Mary style dower chest was purchased by the Bourn couple and placed in the hallway in front of the Ballroom, where it can be seen today. Dower chests were used to store items gifted to the husband from his in-laws upon marriage.
Label
A dower chest, often called a marriage chest, was used to store items that the bride's family would give to the groom upon marriage. This 19th-century William and Mary style veneered walnut chest is inlaid with flowers, foliage, and warriors. The warrior depicted could be Mars, the Roman god of war. Commonly, Mars and Venus (the Roman goddess of love) are depicted on dower chests as symbols of true love.
This piece is original to the Bourn family, noted in the 1936 inventory of the house. It was placed either in the Reception Room or in the hallway in front of the ballroom, where it can be seen today.
