[Mary “Polly” Stevenson Hewson] | A George III armchair, bequeathed in Franklin's will

[Mary “Polly” Stevenson Hewson]

George III upholstered armchair in the Louis XIV style. London: ca. 1760

Mahogany and beechwood (88 cm; 35.5 in high). Modern upholstery, with platform (28 x 31 x 4 in); original legs with some cracks, minor imperfections.

One of three known examples of Franklin's armchairs, bequeathed to Mary “Polly” Stevenson Hewson in his will.

The present armchair was one of a set of six chairs Franklin purchased for his rooms at 36 Craven Street, where he lodged with Margaret Stevenson and her daughter Polly from 1757 until 1775. Franklin took this chair with him when he returned to Philadelphia in 1785, and he eventually left it to Polly in his will. The set has sometimes been attributed to John Cobb, the prominent London cabinetmaker and upholsterer who supplied furniture for King George III in the early 1760s.

REFERENCES

Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin and his Circle, 303 and 304

PROVENANCE

Benjamin Franklin, bequeathed to — Polly Stevenson — thence by descent to — Theodore E. Wiederseim