10 Piece Belter Suite
Setee, Rosewood, Rococo Revival style, with floral carved cresting above Rosewood frame, with laminated, curving wooden back. John Henry Belter, cabinet-maker, New York, ca. 1950. In the pattern "Rosalie (Without Grapes)." Excellent, restored condition with good, usable, blue brocade upholstery.
Gentleman's chair, to match above exactly, button-tufted upholstery on back.
Pair of Side Chairs, to match above exactly, button-tufted rear upholstery.
Set of six Side Chairs, exact design as above, recently restored and recovered to be used en suite with above.
[NOTE] John Henry Belter stands out among the mid-nineteenth century cabinet-makers, just as Duncan Phyffe does for the early years of the century. His workmanship and his materials were of best quality. The style in which he worked, known as "Rococo Revival," found its origin in the Louis XV revival in France, and represents for American Furniture the highest expression of the French taste of the period. The large scale and richly carved, ornate decoration was especially suited to the "cavernous splendor" of the antebellum mansions, and was especially desired not only in stylish New York, but in the homes of wealthy southerners of the period.
Belter had recognizable styles and techniques and patented many of this construction methods and processes. In particular he was known for the process of lamination, in which many layers of wood were steamed and then glued together in molds or "cawls." Thin layers of wood, generally six to eight, were laid out in layers with the grain at a right angle to the alternating layers, his use of casters on all four legs and his style of carving set his furniture apart from that of imitators. Belters layers for lamination were thinner and therefore more numerous in making a given thickness, his carving of flowers was fuller and more naturalistic, and his laminated chair backs cover the rear seat rails.
Always desirable and more valued than other furniture of the period, Belter furniture became markedly sought after then 1980 exhibit of the large Manney collection of the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington, Massachusetts, This interest led to the research producing the landmark book The Furniture of John Henry Belter and The Rococo Revival. Their research also gave names to the various patterns which had not been previously captioned. The furniture in this collection, "Rosalie," is named for the Natchez, Mississippi mansion for which a collection was purchased in the 1850s. The exhibit and resultant interest also marks the beginning of the great rise in prices and values for Belter furniture.
Photographed by David Hammond
Belter, John Henry
Gift of Cindy and Ron Evans.
Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation
1850
All items and images © their respective copyright holders. Please contact Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation for permission regarding reproduction and use.
Settee: 40 3/4 in. x 75 in. x 33 in.
Gentlemen's Chair: 42 1/2 in. x 23 1/2 in. x 22 in.
Side Chair: 37 1/4 in. x 18 1/2 in. 17 1/2 in.
Rosewood
Upholstery
1998.24.01
Athens (Ga.)
Clarke County (Ga.)
1800s Hand-colored engraving (pair)
Children with animals in maple frame
Deeded to Historic Athens 06/23/2021
Historic Athens
1800s
2021.02.04
1820s Two Panel Mirror
1820s two panel mirror. Original gilded surface. Of a type often used in halls or rooms.
On loan from Ron Evans
Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation
All items and images © their respective copyright holders. Please contact Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation for permission regarding reproduction and use.
Athens (Ga.)
Clarke County (Ga.)
1850s Pedal-Operated Sewing Machine
This iron sewing machine is set into a walnut wood case with original surfaces and drawers on right side. The pedal mechanization is of the first decade of these machines.
Includes wooden over for machine.
On loan from Jim Carter
Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation
All items and images © their respective copyright holders. Please contact Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation for permission regarding reproduction and
Athens (Ga.)
Clarke County (Ga.)
1999 Paul E. Sternberg Appraisal
1999-06-21 Note from Jim Carter to Shari [?]
2006 Strategic Plan
2008 Strategic Plan
2009 Ware-Lyndon House Strategic Plan List
Ware-Lyndon Historic House Committee
Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation
All items and images © their respective copyright holders. Please contact Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation for permission regarding reproduction and use.
English
Athens, Georgia
Clarke County, Georgia
2011 Strategic Planning Meeting Agenda -- 6-9-2011
Outline of plans for the care and use of the Ware-Lyndon House in the future.
Ware-Lyndon Historic House Committee
Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation
June 9, 2011
All items and images © their respective copyright holders. Please contact Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation for permission regarding reproduction and use.
Document
English
Athens, Georgia
Clarke County, Georgia