Square-back Windsor armchair

about 1800–20

Object Place for LabelNew England, United States

Medium/TechniqueWood, painted

DimensionsOverall: 87 x 52.7 x 46.4 cm (34 1/4 x 20 3/4 x 18 1/4 in.)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Walter Tebbetts

Accession number1973.497

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsFurniture

Collections

Americas

InscriptionsThere are several indistinct and overlapping chalk inscriptions on the underside of the seat, which seem to refer to the family history. What appears to be the oldest inscription, light in color, reads "J--------- / Gardner." A newer inscription, in whiter chalk, reads: "J [?] G M [or W?] / M-- ram (87" and "Jon Barrett / ---ner / 1817"

ProvenanceHistory of ownership: By family history and inscriptions, this was owned at an early date on Nantucket; tradition records that it was used in the home of John Wendell Barrett (born Boston 1794), 75 Main Street, Nantucket.here he was a ship owner and merchant; ; acquired in 1817 by a John Gardner; by descent in the family; 1973, gift of Mrs. Walter (Enid Hallett)Tebbetts, 137 Collins Road, Waban, Massachusetts (Accession Date September 12, 1973)