1929-02-11
Museum Purchase
Maker Unknown, Litchfield, CT
This desk is thought to have been made for Morris Woodruff of Litchfield.

Between 1780 and 1830 Litchfield County experienced a surge in industry, agriculture, and regional and international trade. Woodbury maintained a thriving agricultural economy, New Milford boasted a healthy mercantile trade, the iron industry flourished in Kent, Canaan, and Sharon, and Litchfield became the center of county politics, education, and national business dealings. The citizens of this region expected their homes, clothing, and furnishings to reflect their status and aspirations in this growing economy and new nation. Furniture makers responded to these needs creating pieces that both reflected the desires of the client and the regional aesthetics of the craftsman. This fusion of style and technique created a unique regional style of furniture in Litchfield County.

On April 19, 2008 the Litchfield Historical Society will unveil its latest exhibition, To Please Any Taste: Litchfield County Furniture and Furniture Makers, 1780-1830. This exhibit will not only focus on identifying style, construction techniques, and regional attributes, but also interpret the furniture as a reflection of the rapid economic and social changes in Litchfield County during the decades from 1780-1830.

The exhibition will include over thirty examples of Litchfield County furniture. In addition to pieces from the Litchfield Historical Society’s collection, furniture from the Yale University Art Museum, Connecticut Historical Society, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Co., as well as numerous other institutions and private lenders will be showcased in the exhibition.

The exhibit will be on display from April 19 through November 26, 2008. An exhibition catalog and CD database will accompany the show. The Historical Society has scheduled a lecture series in the spring and symposium on October 17th. Check the online calendar or call 860-567-4501 for further information or to be added to our e-mail list.

1929-02-12C
Museum Purchase
Silas Cheney, Litchfield, CT
Cheney made this arm chair for Tapping Reeve of Litchfield as part of a set comprised of two arm chairs, ten side chairs, and a settee.

This exhibition is made possible by a generous grant from