Object Number 1966.0112

Object Name

Chair (Side chair)

Category

Furniture

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase

Creator (Role)

John Townsend (Cabinetmaker)
12/17/1732-1809

Joseph Li Volsi (Upholsterer)
August 14, 1907-October 22, 1985
Per telephone conversation with Paul Periconi, nephew of Joseph LiVolsi, 08/18/2009: LiVolsi was born on August 14, 1907. His father, Salvatore, and his mother immigrated from Italy. Joseph LiVolsi was a third generation upholsterer. LiVolsi married his wife, Grace on November 18, 1934. In addition to working for Winterthur, Mr. Periconi notes that his uncle did work for the White House refurnishing project and for Mount Vernon, among other museums. LiVolsi worked at home after his retirement until the time of his death. It is very likely that all information, fabric scraps, and tools pertaining to his upholstery business were disposed of after Grace LiVolsi's death in 2007. (SAJ, 08/18/2009) More information about LiVolsi is available on the website: http://www.scovottifamily.com/grace.html

Place of Origin

Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, New England, United States, North America

Secondary Place of Origin

Europe

Secondary Origin Notes

This fabric was made in Europe in the 20th century.

Date

1800-1800

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Inside the rear rail; "Made by John Townsend/ Newport, 1800"

Materials

Mahogany; Birch; Maple; Pine, white; Tulip poplar; Chestnut; Horsehair

Techniques

Woven (satin)

Dimensions (inches)

38.5 (H) , 21.5 (W) , 21 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

97.79 (H) , 54.61 (W) , 53.34 (D)

Measurement Notes

OW is at the seat front. OD from crest to seat front.

Object Description

Text available soon.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Heckscher, Morrison H. 2005 John Townsend: Newport Cabinetmaker.
• Published: cat. no. 48, pp. 181-83 (label and chair illustrated) and fig. 69, p. 196.
[Electronic] Yale University Art Gallery. Rhode Island Furniture Archive. http://rifa.art.yale.edu/index.htm
• RIF4263