Adam's THE LIBRARY COLLECTION 1st May 2024

The Library Collection | 1 st May 2024 100 A FEDERAL MAHOGANY SOFA, PENNSYLVANIA, C.1790, the scroll back with downswept reeded arms raised on ring turned supports above a reeded apron on rope twist legs headed by block capitals. 86.5cm high, 196.5cm wide, 72cm deep € 3,000 - 5,000 Prominent furniture makers in Philadelphia at this time hailed from various back- grounds. Joseph Barry (1757-1838) a noted cabinet maker in Philadelphia was an Irish-born emigrant. Thomas Jefferson periodically used Barry’s services during his vice presidential years in Philadelphia. Nicholas Bernard (d. 1789), Hercules Courtenay (b. 1739) and Henry Connelly (1770-1826) working in Philadelphia were all of Irish descent. These craftsmen were known for their exquisite designs, skilled craftsmanship, and contributions to Philadelphia’s thriving furniture industry. The influence of Irish makers on eighteenth century Philadelphia furniture is exemplified in the typically Irish rope twist legs found in lot 100. Image: Federal sofa in situ in the library at Dawesfield Property from Dawesfield, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania