Notes
This mahogany washstand is supposed to have belonged to Patrick Henry. It dates to sometime between 1790 and 1810 and is an example of the vernacular Hepplewhite style. This design is more rare than later, more common versions in the heavy Sheraton designs which date to circa 1815–1830.
The washstand is believed to have been inherited by Henry's youngest son, John (1796–1868). Following John's death, the washstand may have appeared in John's estate inventory of Red Hill, taken in 1868, as "1 Washstand" in the nursery of the main house.
It later belonged to Lucy Gray Henry Harrison (1857–1944), a great-granddaughter of Patrick Henry, and remained in her possession until her death in 1944. Mrs. Harrison testified that the washstand once belonged to Patrick Henry and was used during his lifetime. The washstand appears in a photograph (76.144.2) of Ms. Harrison's bedroom taken circa 1912.
The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation purchased the washstand at an auction of Ms. Harrison's Henry relics on June 30, 1945.