Collective Perspectives: “Fussy Furniture?” A Historical Perspective on 18th c. Newport Furniture

Join the Newport Restoration Foundation and its Whitehorne House Museum for, "Collective Perspectives: Discussions on Newport Furniture Past & Present," a series of online discussions with a variety of scholars, furniture makers, and museum professionals about the history, beauty, and significance of Newport furniture. This episode is the second of four discussions in the series, featuring Brock Jobe, Professor Emeritus of American Decorative Arts at Winterthur, and Steven Brown, Faculty at the North Bennet Street School.
Collective perspectives is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities seeds, supports, and strengthens public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement by and for all Rhode Islanders. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this (program) do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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[@studiohost]

Well presented ,thanks to all !

[@netherwent2725]

I think that the motif at the bottom of the wonderful shell carving (discussed around 1:11:06) was, in fact, a pineapple. In Britain, by the 18C the pineapple was perceived as a symbol of status and good taste. I seem to remember seeing examples carved in stone atop the gateways of historic houses of that era. Contemporary furniture often reflected a fascination with faraway lands and their cultures. The chinoiserie influence in the Pembroke table shown towards the end of the talk also demonstrates the influence of the contemporary London workshops. From a happy viewer in a mediaeval Newport, Wales, UK

[@kevinchambers1101]

They needed to talk a little about the Quakerusm of these cabitmakers. How their Quaker religion influenced their work and work habits. How did international trade affect their furnitue stiles such as the ball and claw was influenced from the Chinese claw and pearl legend of the dragon seeking the oearl. Very goid presentation.

[@anttickwitty]

The middle ball and claw foot on the video thumbnail looks like it's AI generated. I've never seen a claw that doesn't fully clasp the ball. It also shows no sign of wear and aging. It just looks wrong

[@anttickwitty]

Coming back to this to correct myself. As an insular European (Irish in my case), I had never seen such a Ball and Claw foot but now realise it appears commonplace on Newport furniture. I'm enjoying this channel and learning about American furniture history in the process. It certainly has many distinctive characteristics. The shell seems a very popular motif of Newport furniture and I wonder did that influence derive from Ireland, where it was the dominant motif of the 18th century.