Hampton

Chippendale style, 1760-1780
Philadelphia, possible attribution to Thomas Affleck

A side chair with a tall upholstered back such as this was referred to in the 18th century as a back stool. Leather was a common upholstery material at this time, favored for its durability. This particular chair was made in Philadelphia for Chief Justice Benjamin Chew. His grandson Henry Banning Chew married Harriet, a daughter of Charles Carnan Ridgely, and lived at the estate Epsom immediately to the south of Hampton, now the location of Goucher College.

Mahogany. H 97.1, W 61.9, D 53.6 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 4626