H69.406.1

Chair. Description: Upholstered (needlepoint) chair; 2 front legs on casters; floral needlepoint (4-22-76 ibm changed from "tapestry" to "needlepoint") covering; carved wood arms and top of back of chair. History: chair originally sold to DeFremery governess as part of set of four with matching loveseat; then came into possession of Mrs. Parry's mother, Mrs. Edward T. Joste. DeFremery house at 18th and Poplar (Adeline). Dimensions: 23 1/2 x 22 x 37" From the History Information Station: Object: Renaissance revival chair with incised lines, carved scrolling, walnut burl veneer, and upholstery. Circa 1880. History: The heavy but simple ornamentation of Renaissance revival furniture was popular in the 1870s and 1880s. The style supposedly evoked the wise and dignified spirit of the Renaissance, but with padding added to suit Victorian tastes. This chair is part of a "Parlor Set," a group of four matching chairs and loveseat. The set was used in the Defremery house in Oakland, which is now in Defremery Park at 18th and Adeline Streets. Opulence and Abundance Use your imagination to see what the things in this exhibit looked like in a true Victorian interior. Not only were houses filled with furniture, they were full of lush textiles, with colors and patterns and fringe and doilies and tassels and draperies and photographs and knicknacks and potted plants. Imagine these rugs spread on top of flowered carpets, in rooms with different patterned papers covering walls and ceilings, lit by windows hung with lace and velvet curtains. Imagine the chairs and tables draped with scarves, sitting next to valanced mantels covered with photographs and gilt vases and clocks. Victorian houses and furnishings celebrated luxury, artistry, acquisitiveness, worldliness and the abundant pleasures of home.

Used: James DeFremery house | Oak Center neighborhood