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Introduction
This site is dedicated to information and the promotion of the furniture
created in the United
States of America between the mid 1700's
to around 1840. This was referred to as American
Period Furniture. It is a personal expression of the ideas and
opinions of the author. It is strictly for information and the
promotion of this fine furniture and the people who are committed to the
future study and promotion of the ideals of this exceptional furniture.
The intent of producing this site is to provide a forum to communicate
with others of like interest, share ideas, sources of information, and
encourage the on-going study of period furniture.
For purposes of this site, we are referring to the period of American
furniture built between the early 1700 until approximately 1840.
Sheraton, Chippendale, and Federal Period are primary periods of interest
to the writer. It is not that we consider others inferior or less in
some way, but that we prefer to study this period.
American period furniture had several key areas of development during
this time period: Charleston, Philadelphia, Rhode Island,
Boston and New York. The Townsend and Goddard
families of Rhode Island
produced some of the finest original American designs. Money of the
southern plantation created a market and booming business in the Charleston and low country areas of the Carolinas. New York
and Boston
were major commercial areas with "new" money that created an
environment for builders of quality furniture.
Discriminating customers demanded quality workmanship and
materials. But ultimately, the makers were in business to produce a
product at a competitive price that met the demands of the market.
Many people today believed that these furniture makers had a higher goal in
mind. Others believe they they were just
businessmen trying to make a living by exercising their skills and talents.
No matter what their goal, these furniture makers produced some of the
most exciting and everlasting examples of furniture for the ages.
After 250 years these pieces of craftsmanship still instill awe and respect
in museums, exhibits and homes around the world.
Check my recent work in Photo Gallery.
c/o Ken Johnson
Marietta, Georgia
You can reach me at [kenj at jprconsulting dot com]
"A wise and frugal government,
which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them
otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement,
and shall not take from the mouths of labor the bread it has earned. This
is the sum of good government." - Thomas Jefferson
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