Desk Used in the United States House of Representatives, 1857-1873
Add to SetSummary
This desk and its companion chair (68.127.1) were designed by architect Thomas U. Walter for the United States House of Representatives Chamber in 1857, as part of an expansion of the Capitol. The pieces look impressive--but members of the House complained that they were too cumbersome. Within two years, many of the chairs were sold; by 1873 all of the pieces were removed.
This desk and its companion chair (68.127.1) were designed by architect Thomas U. Walter for the United States House of Representatives Chamber in 1857, as part of an expansion of the Capitol. The pieces look impressive--but members of the House complained that they were too cumbersome. Within two years, many of the chairs were sold; by 1873 all of the pieces were removed.
Artifact
Davenport (Desk)
Date Made
1857
Creators
Walter, Thomas Ustick, 1804-1887
Place of Creation
United States, District of Columbia, Washington
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
United States, New York, New York
Creator Notes
Designed by Thomas U. Walter; made by Bembe & Kimbel of New York City, New York or Doe, Hazelton & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished
Object ID
78.84.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Oak
Technique
Woodcarving
Dimensions
Height: 33.5 in
Width: 29.125 in
Length: 20.875 in
Inscriptions
Carved on orb on front of desk: AMERICA
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