February 28, 1951: The Brooklyn Museum opened to the public today, (Wednesday) an exhibition of a distinguished collection of 18th century American furniture lent by Mr. George Burford Lorimer together with recent important loans and gifts of American and European decorative arts. A private preview and tea was held yesterday (Tuesday) for Museum members and guests.
Noteworthy among the Lorimer pieces are a Philadelphia highboy with finely carved broken pediment and finials, Rhode Island blockfront desks and chests, and an outstanding group of Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton style sofas and chairs.
Among pieces selected for this exhibition from the Mrs. W. Sterling Peters bequest is a tall case lacquer clock by Bartholomew Barwell who worked in New York in the mid 18th century. Also a fine Hepplewhite-Sheraton style sideboard of about 1800 and an important set of Hepplewhite style chairs.
Also an exhibition are an 18th century mantle, a gift of Mrs. Francis P. Garvan in memory of her husband; a William and Mary walnut highboy, gift of Mr. Sidney Buchman; a bible box gift of Mr. Israel Sack; a Georgian settee, gift of Judge Irwin Untermeyer; and a Dutch kas or storage cabinet of rosewood and ebony lent by Mary and Charles N. van Kleeck.
The exhibition will remain on view through April 15.
Brooklyn Museum Archives. Records of the Department of Public Information. Press releases, 1947 - 1952. 01-03/1951, 023.
