| View this edition online»» | January 17 , 2006 |
| Note from the Director of Collections & Exhibitions |
The New Hampshire Historical Society’s collections offer the most complete picture of the social, economic and cultural history of New Hampshire. Currently, more than 100 unique decorative arts objects are on exhibit at the Society’s museum in Concord.  The exhibition, Treasures of New Hampshire, looks at objects made and used by the people of New Hampshire to decorate their homes and improve their lives. Although many visitors will recognize an imposing chest of drawers crafted by New Hampshire cabinetmaker John Dunlap, the exhibition also presents some surprises. The selection is designed to encourage learners of all ages and backgrounds to explore the gallery and their homes to find treasures, past and present. Take a look at objects that in their own day may have been considered ordinary, but today are considered treasures. Below you will see some photos of objects in the exhibition along with additional information that shows why we consider them important. Wes Balla |
| Stories Behind the Exhibition | |
Card TableJonathan Judkins (1780-1844) Portsmouth, New Hampshire 1828 Mahogany, white pine, basswood and brass Gift of George F. Sawyer and Charles F. Sawyer 1983.2.2.2 This is one of a pair of "Grecian" card tables made in 1828 for Mehitable and Elizabeth, daughters of Durham merchant, farmer and magistrate George Frost (1765-1841). According to a bill prepared by Portsmouth cabinetmaker Jonathan Judkins (1780-1844), he charged $35 for a pair of card tables. Click here to see receipts for payment.  ArmchairLewis Downing & Sons workmen Concord, New Hampshire 1860 Walnut, leather and brass Gift of Lucy Downing 1937.6.1 According to The New Hampshire Statesman, of Concord, New Hampshire, June 23, 1860, the day before, “The employees of Messrs. L. Downing & Sons …presented the senior proprietor (Lewis Downing) of that firm (with) an elegant chair, carved and decorated with rare taste and skill. The ceremony of presentation occurred at the close of labor for the day, and was entirely unexpected by the recipient of the gift.” This is the Elizabethan Revival style armchair made for Lewis Downing (1792-1873) by Lewis Downing & Sons workers. The chair was preserved by his grand-daughter, Lucy Downing (1866-1944) and presented to the New Hampshire Historical Society as an important artifact of Concord, New Hampshire history. Click here to see the newspaper article. Click here to read a transcript of Lewis Downing's autobiography. 
PlateWilliam Adams & Sons Stoke and Tunstall, England c.1831 Transfer-printed earthenware Gift of Martha E. Durgin 1914.14.250 William Adams & Sons appealed to a growing market of American consumers with views of majestic American scenery. They reproduced the “View Near Conway, New Hampshire” from a print published in London in 1831. The view was based on a painting done by Thomas Cole after touring the White Mountains in 1828. Click here to see the print. 
PitcherSuncook Glass Works Pembroke, New Hampshire 1839-50 Blown glass Gift of Mrs. Harry K. Rogers 1965.13.341 The Chelmsford Glass Company relocated to Suncook Village in Pembroke, New Hampshire in 1839. Known as the Suncook Glass Works, they manufactured cylinder window glass until 1850. Glass factory workers made pitchers, bottles, and other household glassware for their own use. Click here to see a picture of Suncook Glass Works circa 1860. 
SalverMade by William Hunter London, England Engraved by William Cario, Jr. (1734-1809) Portsmouth, New Hampshire c.1750 Silver Gift of Martha Williams Pike 1939.2 Col. Theodore Atkinson (1697-1779), Portsmouth resident and President of the Council of the Colony of New Hampshire ordered this salver from William Hunter of London. Atkinson then had silversmith William Cario, Jr. of Portsmouth engrave the names, death dates and ages of forty-eight friends and relatives on the back. Click here to see the back side of the salver. |
|
| Subscription Information | |
E-Newsletter is best viewed in Internet Browser v. 6.0 or higher. To subscribe to this service provided by the New Hampshire Historical Society, send us an e-mail to newsletter@nhhistory.org and note "subscribe" in the subject line. Just be sure to include your first and last names along with your current postal address. The New Hampshire Historical Society never shares e-mail addresses with third parties. Let us know what you think about this service. Suggestions are appreciated.  |
|