Image scanned from a transparency and color-corrected by Pat Cagney.

Hanger Press

Manufacturer Unknown

CultureAmerican

Dateca. 1760

MediumYellow Pine | Oak

DimensionsOverall: 82 x 59 1/4 x 21 1/8 in. (208.3 x 150.5 x 53.7 cm)

InscribedInscribed on back: "L" (?) "HB/1857" probably a marriage or presentation inscription 100 years later than the date of the construction of the piece.

Credit LineMuseum purchase from the Grandy Fund and the Art Purchase Fund

Object number89.101

Not on view

DescriptionRaised panel hangar press. Twenty raised panels including four arched panels. Fluted pilasters or columns end at their tops in decoratively molded capitals. New feet. Base replaced by Monticello Antiques.

Label TextUnknown House Joiner American (Eastern Shore, Virginia) Hanger Press, ca. 1760 Yellow pine and oak Museum Purchase from the Grandy Fund and the Art Purchase Fund 89.101 This handsome hanger press was used in a hall for the purpose of storing clothing. It retains its original wood knobs for hanging garments. It is the most refined of the series of three presses discussed in The Chrysler Museum of Art's 1982 exhibition catalogue, Eastern Shore, Virginia Raised-Panel Furniture 1730-1830. This landmark catalogue by James R. Melchor, N. Gordon Lohr and Marilyn S. Melchor is the only study to date of this important furniture. The press has lost both its original painted finish, usual with this furniture, and its original hardware. In addition, the press was purchased with feet not original to it. These have since been replaced with feet that are more appropriate. Many pieces of Eastern Shore furniture have replaced feet due to wear and insect damage. The great rarity of this press makes it a significant addition to the Museum's modest holdings of Virginia furniture. Edited By: GLYExhibition History"Treasures for the Community: The Chrysler Collects, 1989-1996," October 25,1996 - February 16, 1997 Published ReferencesJames R. Melchor, N. Gordon Lohr, Marilyn Melchor, EASTERN SHORE, VIRGINIA RAISED PANEL FURNITURE 1730-1830, (The Chrysler Museum: Norfolk, 1982), Fig. 37, pp. 46-47.