| Object ID |
1989.64 |
| Object Name |
Chest |
| Dimensions |
H-38.75 W-46 D-19.5 inches |
| Early Date |
1700 |
| Late Date |
1725 |
| Description |
Distinguished by overall flat-carved decoration of oak leaves and lobed tulips, incised scrolls and punched backgrounds, "Hadley" chests were made by joiners working in shops along the Connecticut River Valley from Northfield, Massachusetts to Enfield and Suffield, Connecticut between 1700 and 1725. Approximately 175 panelled chests, chests of drawers as well as boxes and tables have been identified with these decorative motifs which comprise the largest group of carved 17th-century American furniture known with related ornamentation. The floral carving on the surface of these chests, probably an interpretation of Mannerist (post-Renaissance) decoration, was practiced by carvers from the Lake District in northern England during the 17th century who brought this carving tradition with them when the came to America.
Hadley chests, so named by collector Henry Wood Erving who found a similar chest in Hadley, Massachusetts in 1883, were often made as dowry chests or wedding gifts, and usually bear the carved initials and ocassionally the name of the owner. Early research conducted on them in the first half of the 19th century has suggested that the initials A. W. on this chest might stand for "Abbie Wyman." According to tradition, it was brought up the Connecticut River on a flat boat by the Ely family and found in Ascutneyville, Vermont around 1875. It is the earliest known piece of furniture in the Museum's collection and was probably brighty painted as was typical of most Hadley chests. |
| Credit |
Bequest of Mrs. Gertude D. Webster |
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