July 30, 2004 – January 2, 2005
The Glenn C. Price & Strongwell Galleries
Opening Reception
Friday, August 6, 6-8pm. 7pm Gallery Talk by Director Betsy White
Image: Wythe County, VA pie safe with multi-colored tins, made by The Fleming K. Rich Cabinet Shop, c. 1840-1860
About the Exhibition
Between 1840 and 1860, furniture with pierced-tin panels was made in abundance throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Found usually on the back porch or in the kitchen, the common food safe was the furniture form on which pierced-tin panels were usually placed. However, they also found their way into the dining room on sideboards and cupboards. Some tin panels were punched with designs of intricate detailed work, while others were plain and simple. Some designs seem to have been unique to one locale, and other had more widespread use, When coupled with cabinet characteristics common to a specific area, a regional furniture identity emerges. This exhibit will use approximately 20 examples from throughout the region that best illustrate the tin motifs and cabinet forms of this friendly, country furniture.
