Set of four (4) Middle Tennessee ladderback side chairs plus one (1) child's chair. 1st item: Child's hickory ladderback chair having two shaped slats, branded JB on lower slat and cane seat. 20 1/2" H x 13" W x 10" D. 2nd – 5th items: Set of four (4) hickory and maple ladder back chairs with arched slats, mule ear back stiles with single peg at the top of back stiles, all branded JC on lower slat and all with woven oak seats. 36" H x 17" W x 13" D. Third quarter of the 19th century. Note: The child's chair and one of the 4 adult chairs were exhibited at Cheekwood and described in the exhibition catalog MADE IN TENNESSEE, 1971, on page 25 as item numbers 37 and 38, with an attribution to Dick Poyner. However, recent scholarship by Williamson County historian, researcher and author Rick Warwick suggests these were made by another, currently unidentified, Middle Tennessee maker.

PROVENANCE: The Collection of Richard H. and Kathleen L. Hulan.

CONDITION: 1st item: Upper slat of child's chair with vertical wood split and some losses. Overall general wear and replaced seat. Traces of old paint remain. 2nd – 5th items: All chairs with use wear, a couple with vertical wood cracks to upper stiles. Seats in various states of wear, one was replaced by chairmaker Dallas Newberry of Red Boiling Springs (1892-1989). Note: The Newberry family is renowned for their chairs made in the historic tradition of their Tennessee craftsmen ancestors, which earned them a Governor's Art Award.