CARVED OAK U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ARMCHAIR. (Circa 1857, designed by Thomas U. Walter, architect of the U.S. Capitol, 1851-65.). Probably Bembe & Kimbel, New York, Star-and-stripe carved shield crest over padded back; berried laurel leaf carved stiles; stuffover padded seat. Gadroon-carved seat rail; lappet-carved baluster turned legs ending in notched bun feet and wood casters. - 40 in. x 26 in. x 22 in. Estimate $5,000-7,500
NOTE: A similar chair is illustrated in Gregory Weideman''s "Furniture in Maryland", plate. 206. PROVENANCE: Purchased at C.G. Sloan & Company, February 2, 1986 Washington, DC
Thomas U. Walter, a prominent Philadelphia architect, was the winner of a design competition in 1851 to expand the U.S. Capitol. Walter's redesign more than doubled the existing size of the Capitol and added its landmark dome; Walter was responsible as well for the decoration of the Capitol's interior.
In May 1857, Walter completed a design for desks and chairs to be used in the House of Representatives' chamber; this 'design combines late Classical, Renaissance, Rococo and patriotic motifs that were in keeping with Walter's overall decorative theme for the Capitol.' (Gregory R. Weideman, Furniture in Maryland, 1740-1940. Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society, 1984.)
262 chairs were ordered from two furniture makers - Bembe & Kimbel of New York and Hammitt of Philadelphia - while the Doe Hazelton Company produced the desks.
There were 241 members in the House of Representatives in 1857; after the Confederate States' secession, that number declined to 175. The surplus chairs and desks were distributed to other government office buildings; 14 were distributed to the public. Prominent photographers including Matthew Brady and Andrew Gardiner were among those who acquired the chairs from the House of Representatives and photographed numerous dignitaries in their newly acquired Bembe & Kimball chairs. Brady photographed President Lincoln with his son Tad in a Bembe & Kimbel chair just a few weeks before his assassination.
The House of Representatives' chamber was remodeled again in 1873 and the chairs and desks were sold to the public. These historic chairs can be found in museum collections including the Smithsonian Institution and the Maryland Historical Society.
Good over all condition, with new leather upholstery, slightly worn and rests from use.
