Lot 872: 2 Dick Poyner Middle TN Chairs (Second 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 woven seats, arched slats, with flattened ears and lower stiles. Each chair measures 35 3/4 in. H x 18 in. W x 15 in. D. Height from seat to floor: 14 1/2 in. 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: 2 chairs attributed from this same collection are also being offered in this auction on Day 1 (Lot #213). 

CONDITION: Seats are old and have several breaks to weaving. Each with wear and slight loss to upper seat rails, 1 has slight loss/wear to lower seat rail, the other has a crack to rear of center seat rail. 1 with splitting to front leg at top. Scattered other wear, abrasions. Some possible height loss to tips of feet.