Benches

Furniture

-

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Benches

Entry/Object ID

SS.81.2 a-b

Description

Pair of cast iron benches in the Gothic Revival style: each bench has an arched back; on back, two lancet arches with ends in the form of trefoils hang on either side of the round central device; the central device contains a three-armed Gothic "pin wheel" of pointed trefoils; each arm of the bench slopes from the shoulder, curves under, and ends in two round elements that loop back to center of the arm; side stretchers in the form of multifoils; simple brackets visually link seat and front legs; pierced seat consists of a series of hexagons surrounded by a border of alternating trefoils; parts of the bench are bolted togther; painted black.

Collection

Sunnyside Object Collection

Made/Created

Manufacturer

West Point Foundry

Date made

circa 1836

Other Names and Numbers

Other Numbers

SHR-66-373
SS.81.2 A-B
SS.81.2a-b

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

31-1/2 in

Width

49-1/2 in

Depth

21 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 31 1/2 x 49 1/2 x 21 in. (80 x 125.7 x 53.3 cm)

Material

Cast iron

Condition

Notes

Remarks: SS.81.2 b: During 12/2011, David Latouche constructed a brace and support mount for detached leg and lower portion of hexagonal ornament; this support snaps on and off the bench, but can be stored on, with extra block for additional support; mount slightly bent during return trip to storage after Winter Antiques Show; object still very fragile overall.

Notes

Remarks: SS.81.2 a: Has an old repair to back leg on right side; long cast iron L-shaped support bolted to side and back of original leg, small portion of original rounded leg missing; support intentionaly bent into supportive foot at base; missing portion of arch-shaped ornament below seat SS.81.2 b: Right side rear leg completely detached; missing portion of arch-shaped ornament below seat

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Louis du Pont Irving (1883-1961)

Notes

Former owner

Person or Organization

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Notes

Former owner

Related Entries

Notes

SS.2006.1 - Slide, stereoscopic - Related SS.2006.3 - Negative, glass-plate - Related SS.2006.6 - Negative, glass-plate - Related

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

The pair of benches were originally thought to have been designed by Washington Irving. After examining the actual letter written to George Harvey by Irving (Berg Collection, New York Public Library), it is apparent that the sketch of the bench was made by George Harvey, not Irving [Kate Johnson, 2003].

Note Type

General Note

Note

During Jessa Krick's time at HHV, there has been some interest by outsiders in recreating these benches for sale by outsiders, including a visit from one person (brought in by Christopher Radko); any plan involved dismantling a bench or sending one to China to create a mold is impossible. John Danza of Munder Skiles (garden furniture maker/ reproduction garden furniture maker) in Garrison also expressed interest in the chairs in 2018, and contacted HHV for additional information.

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Union Church, Storage, Floor