Eastern Shore Virginia- Chesapeake

jacon4

Well-known member
Probably the most iconic corner cupboards in America were made here during the 18th century, built by joiners, not cabinetmakers. These joiners were isolated by geography and continued making furniture all during the 18th century while on the mainland cabinetmakers replaced joiners who had been the dominant furniture makers since the middle ages. These architectural corner cupboards have no equal in Colonial America.
They are a fitting tribute to joiners ancient past & craft.
I was able to snag this one at an auction in new england last week, the auction house thought it was an "English" cupboard. It has lost its paint decoration as all known cupboards have during the "stripper craze" of the 1960s-1980s here. Trying to decide if I should have the paint restored.
 

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What these cupboards look like with the paint restored, this one at MESDA

 

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A glance at the map tells the tale here and explains why joiners continued making furniture there for over a century after their time had passed on the mainland, oblivious to the fundamental change that had occurred on the mainland.
 

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If you ever have the chance to visit the Eastern Shore I recommend visiting Timothy Smith and Sons in Onancock, Virginia.  He is a fabulous furniture historian and probably knows more about these than anyone I can think of.  He has had many other outstanding Eastern Shore pieces in his showroom or has evaluated them for their owners or collectors.


https://www.timothysmithandsons.com
 
Thanks for the link, sent an inquiry.
I didn't know it but eastern shore VA has a historical society / museum. Their collection is not digitized but the curator sent me a photo of their corner cupboard.
https://www.shorehistory.org/

 

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