Lot 213: 2 Dick Poyner Middle Tennessee Chairs (First set of 2)

A near pair of two (2) Tennessee side chairs attributed to Williamson County maker Richard “Dick” Poyner of Williamson County, TN. Hickory and possibly maple with arched slats, flattened ears and lower stiles, and woven seats. Each chair measures 36 1/4 in. H x 18 in. W x 15 in. D. Seat to floor: 16 inches.  Late 19th century. Note: Richard “Dick” Poyner (1802-1882) was born a slave in Halifax Co., VA and immigrated to Williamson County, TN, with the Robert Poyner family in 1816, settling near the present-day Cool Springs Galleria. The Poyners were established craftsmen, and it is assumed that Dick Poyner learned the furniture trade working in their shop. Unlike many slaves of that period, Dick Poyner was literate, and he obtained his freedom, and that of his second wife, Millie, between 1850 and 1860. By 1851 he was working at his horse-powered chair factory near present-day Leiper’s Fork with his son, James. His chairs have been treasured by generations of Tennessee families for their simple elegance and legendary durability. (Ref. Rick Warwick, “Williamson County: More than a Good Place to Live”, pp.15-16).

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee collection. Note: Two additional chairs attributed to Poyner from this same collection are also being offered on Day 2 of this auction, lot #872.

CONDITION: Overall good condition. One chair with breaks to seat weaving and minor shrinkage splits to legs.  Both with wear to ears and crestrails.