A Tale of Two Cities: New Perspectives on Baltimore and Philadelphia Furniture

Distinguishing between furniture made in Philadelphia and Baltimore during the period 1780 to 1820 has confounded many a collector, curator, and dealer.  Building on work by esteemed colleagues, recent research has shown that the lines are blurry because of a wonderfully active give and take of designs, artists, and patrons that existed between the two cities beginning in the colonial period and continuing into the early national period.  This presentation will examine the relationship of Philadelphia with its southern neighbor, illustrate furniture documented to each city in hopes of recognizing characteristics, and celebrate the furniture making traditions of both cities.