In this slide show presentation, Lang hopes to share some insights on how Americans lived, worked and entertained with furniture. What were their customs, rituals and important values? Furniture styles including Classical and Fancy will be examined. The scope of the survey is predominately of the 19th century, though some colonial and early 20th-century furniture will also be included. Work of important cabinetmakers such as William Buckland of Annapolis, Maryland, will be compared to local Alabamians George Blair of Athens and William Davis of Decatur. Furniture forms to be examined range from grand sideboards to the sturdy biscuit table. Economic forces such as trade and commerce and new inventions of the industrial revolution had an important impact as well. Insulated ice chests of the 1830s were replaced by refrigerators by the mid 19th century. The ultimate kitchen cabinet, the Hoosier, replaced old forms of cupboards and safes by the late 19th century. Advertised as “the silent servant with 100 hands,” these cabinets represent the decline of domestic help and the rise of the middle class.
A large screen for slide projections and a microphone are requested. A table will also be needed for display items.
