Note Type
In-House NoteNote
Notes: In September, Jim and Jean Barrow graciously donated an early nineteenth-century sideboard attributed to John (1738-1818) and Thomas (1771-1848) Seymour of Boston. The sideboard is based on a standard Scottish design with a stepped-back upper tier, which was a form that was popular in Charleston. The mahogany sideboard has highly figured birds-eye-maple veneers, which was both fashionable and visually stunning. According to Christie's experts, "The straight front variant of the two-tiered sideboard has a circular recess in the lower tier for the service and presentation of a punch bowl. This beautiful and elaborate sideboard would have been a part of the highly ritualized social dining displays during the Federal period." At present, the sideboard is displayed in the stair hall, and the pistol-handled urn is prominently exhibited in the center of the sideboard along with other important ceramics and silver objects. Some of these objects, particularly the urn, may be moved to the decorative and fine arts gallery in March where we can better highlight their important histories. During our recent visioning session and subsequent committee meeting, the group determined that a sideboard is most appropriate for the stair hall, which would served as an ancillary room within the house. After the renovation, this object will take the place of the late-neoclassical New York sideboard (c. 1825), displayed in the butler's pantry (this sideboard is currently on loan).