Side Chair

The shield-back chair, illustrated in English pattern books by George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, became one of the most popular American chair forms by the end of the eighteenth century. These two Federal-style chairs were upholstered over the seat rail using a decorative pattern of brass tacks to secure the material. A swag pattern of nail holes found on the seat rails of the chairs during conservation indicates that their original upholstery was attached in this manner. One chair has been reupholstered with modern horsehair textile and brass tacks that follow the original pattern.