Sit in Style

Chairs in this baroque style are often associated with the work of Philadelphia cabinetmakers, but this example’s family history and design details also suggest a Maryland connection. Unlike Philadelphia-made chairs of the period, this example features a boldly undulating crest rail on the top of the back, and its carved “trifid” feet are much more pointed. Also, the incised or “scratched” bead line along the side stiles and crest rail relate to other Maryland-made chairs of that time. Though we do not know the name of the cabinetmaker who made this walnut side chair, it can be dated sometime between 1740 and 1770. 

According to family tradition, this chair, one of a pair, belonged to Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, secretary and aide-de-camp to General George Washington. Based upon his birth date of 1744 and the age of the chair, it is unlikely that he was the original owner. However, it could have belonged to his parents, James and Anna Tilghman of Talbot County, Md.