The
The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and
Printed Ephemera
Henry
Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735
302-888-4600 or
800-448-3883
OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION
Creator: John Ragatz and Son
Title: Furniture Drawings
Dates: ca.1880-ca.1900
Call No.:
Acc. No.: 94x31;
03x1; 07x123; 09x47
Quantity: 386 items
Location: 4 F 2-4
HISTORICAL STATEMENT
This furniture making firm was headed by
John H. Ragatz. At different times, the
shop was located at
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The collection consists of rendered
drawings or photographs of furniture done by Ragatz or someone else working in
his shop. A wide variety of furniture
types are depicted, including chairs, screens, benches, couches, sideboards,
bureaus, tables, and wall cabinets. Many
revival styles are represented. Some of
the drawings are in color, with the remainder done in pencil or ink. Some contain descriptive text. For example, a chair or sofa could be made
with mahogany, gold (presumably gold leaf or gold paint), or Circassian walnut. One of the screens featured panels "as
per accompanying pamphlet," with heraldic design panels at the bottom, and
claw feet. A few of the illustrations of
screens contain notes about using antique leather and studded nails. Ragatz showed a sideboard designed for a Mr.
Haupt both with and without a mirror, depending on whether he used an overlay
as a way to conceal or reveal construction details. Many of the drawings bear prices, notes on
scale, dimensions, and numbers. The numbers
suggest that while Ragatz did custom work, he may have offered the same piece
of furniture to other customers or carried some standard stock. Holes in the corners of the drawings indicate
that they may have been mounted at some point or were part of a portfolio.
ORGANIZATION
The drawings are
arranged in accession number order. The
2003 addition is arranged by furniture type.
LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS
The materials
are in English.
RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS
Collection is
open to the public. Copyright
restrictions may apply.
PROVENANCE
Accession 94x31:
Gift/purchase from Robert Trump.
Accession 03x1:
Gift from Mr. and Mrs. Merritt C. Burke.
Accession 07x123:
Purchased from Garrison Grey Kingsley.
Accession 09x47:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Merritt C. Burke.
ACCESS POINTS
People:
Ragatz,
John H.
Topics:
Furniture
- Drawings.
Furniture industry and trade -
Furniture
design - Drawings.
Upholstered furniture - Drawings.
Seating (Furniture)
Carving (Decorative arts)
Decoration and ornament.
Scrolls (Decorative arts)
Pencil drawing.
Drawings.
Furniture makers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION
Location: 4 F 2-4
.1 Pencil drawing of an upholstered sofa
5' 8" in length. There is a
notation about muslin at the bottom of the page.
.2 Pencil drawing of a sideboard with
extensive carved decoration on the front cabinet doors. There is a mirror at the back with a shelf
and cartouche above. Another sketch
shows an alternate cartouche. Note at
the bottom indicates the piece was made with either a low back board or a high
backboard and mirror. The name Mrs. W.K.
Haupt, whose address was
.3 High backed sofa. Details of the fabric design are drawn
in. A note indicates that the piece was
made in walnut and the fabric used was muslin.
.4 Three fold screen with claw feet,
carved wood panels in a Heraldic design.
Dimensions given. A note reads
panel as per accompanying pamphlet.
.5 Three fold screen. Middle panel is wider than the two side
panels. Decorative scroll carving runs
along the top.
.6 Three fold screen in a plain design.
.7 Upholstered sofa with three circular
sections along the back. A note
indicates that it was made in walnut.
.8 Upholstered tete-a-tete. Initials at the bottom.
.9 Upholstered divan with ball and claw
legs.
.10 Upholstered arm chair with decorative
carving. Note at the bottom indicates
prices for the chair as follows: mahogany in muslin, gold in muslin, Circassian
walnut in muslin.
.11 Wooden bench with high back and panels. Dimensions given. Initials Wm. F.S. Name Mr. Berluter and another set of
dimensions.
.12 Upholstered sofa. Includes a note about muslin.
.13 Caned sofa in Circassian walnut.
.14 Sofa with carved frame. Dimensions given.
.15 Different view of sofa depicted in .13.
.16 Upholstered sofa with carved frame. Includes a note about muslin and the
dimensions.
.17 Looking glass.
.18 "Centre cupboard to have open face
shielding drawers." Dimensions are
given.
.19 Upholstered sofa available in two lengths
and a muslin fabric.
.20 Screen in three sections carved on one
side and chair. Drawing in pencil with
yellow shading.
.21 Carved settee.
.22 Carved settee.
.23 Upholstered sofa that appears to be in
the Queen Anne style. Bears the stamp
"This design is only loaned and must be returned in good condition. Property of John H. Ragatz,
.24 Decorative screen in two sections. Dimensions given.
.25 Upholstered sofa with carved claw leg and
carved heads. Prices for leather and
muslin are given. Dimensions are
given. Bears the stamp of John H.
Ragatz, Furniture,
.26 Screen in three sections with ornate
carving at the top. Dimensions and price
are given.
.27 Upholstered divan. Dimensions given.
.28 Upholstered divan with carved sides. Prices if covered in muslin on one or both
sides given. Dimensions given.
.29 Screen in four sections with light
carving. Dimensions and price
given. Bears the stamp of John H.
Ragatz.
.30 Upholstered sofa.
.31 Watercolor of an ornately carved chair.
.32 Free standing looking glass. Dimensions of glass area given.
.33 Pen and ink sketch on an upholstered sofa
with decorative carving.
.34 Screen in three sections with dimensions
given. Contains a note about prices for
covering it in leather and using studded nails on one or both sides.
.35 Looking glass with carved frame. Dimensions given.
.36 Screen in three sections.
.37 Square pole screen.
.38 Oval pole screen.
.39 Watercolor of screen in two
sections. Dimensions are given.
.40 Straight back sofa in Circassian
mahogany. Note says "no
drapery."
.41 Sofa with decorative carving and ball and
claw legs. Dimensions given.
.42 Sofa shape with high square panel back
and sides. Dimensions given.
.43 Upholstered sofa with modest decorative
carving. Dimensions and prices given.
.44 Cabinet with bottom drawer and door that
opens to reveal shelves. Shelves are not shown but dimensions for them are
given. Overall dimensions given. Prices for a plain and carved version are
supplied.
.45 Upholstered sofa with decorative carving.
.46 Side table that appears to be in the
Empire style. Dimensions are given.
.47 Sofa with decorative medallion shape in
the center of the back. The name
"J.J. Adams" in pencil at the bottom.
.48 Side table with attached looking
glass. It has decorative carving and
ball and claw legs.
.49 Screen in three sections.
.50 Free standing looking glass. Dimensions given.
.51 Cabinet with ball and claw legs, with
carving on the door. Dimensions are
given for the piece and shelves (not shown).
.52 Cabinet with carving on the door.
.53 Watercolor of a round table.
.54 Watercolor of a screen in three
sections. Prices for leather or burlap
on one or both sides are given.
.55 Watercolor of screen in three sections.
.56 Free standing looking glass. Dimensions are given. The name John H. Ragatz is written in pencil
at the bottom.
.57 Three back settee and side chair with
muslin upholstery. Pencil notations also
refer to a two back settee and arm chair.
.58 Hanging shelf. Dimensions given. Bears Ragatz's stamp.
.59 Side table with looking glass. Partial dimensions are given. Bears Ragatz's stamp.
.60 Watercolor of a screen in three
section. Price information for leather
on one or both sides and with or without a gold band is included.
.61 Hutchback cupboard with elaborate carving
and mirrors in the center. Dimensions
are given. Bears Ragatz's stamp.
.62 Watercolor of a cabinet with mirror and
shelf. Price is given. The name John Ragatz & Son appears at the
bottom.
.63 Cabinet with marbled top and decorative
carving as a back piece. Pencil notation "Colonial #8" at the bottom.
The note "Mrs. Tyson,
.64 Upholstered sofa.
Chairs:
.1 upholstered arm chair, with caster,
prices for muslin or leather covers, in color
.2 carved arm chair, possibly a dining
chair
.3 two upholstered chairs, one with arms,
the other without, labeled as Louis XV style, in brown ink
.4 upholstered arm chair, with high arms,
priced in mahogany or oak
.5 photographic print of a Windsor chair
with arms, labeled Boston Library [chair]
.6 upholstered arm chair, in brown ink
.7 arm chair, with x-shape frame
.8 large carved arm chair, Renaissance
style
.9 printed drawings of two arm chairs, one
on a swivel frame, both priced in mahogany with leather
.10-.11 arm chairs
.12 two upholstered chairs, same style but
one larger than the other, with price code for upholstery
.13 arm chair, also available as a davenport,
with prices for choices in upholstery material
.14 arm chair, also available as a davenport,
with upholstery prices
.15 arm chair
.16 upholstered arm chair, with or without
mahogany arms
.17 arm chair no. 904, for a hall
.18 upholstered arm chair
.19 upholstered arm chair
.20 upholstered
arm chair
.21 upholstered arm chair, with high arms
.22 upholstered club chair, with price codes
for different upholstery material
.23 upholstered club chair, with tufted or
plain seat
.24 wing chair, with price codes for
different upholstery material
.25 wing chair
.26 two wing chairs
.27 photograph of arm chair and matching side
chair, Flemish style
.28 photograph of arm chair and matching side
chair, Chippendale style, available with straight or serpentine fronts
.29 photograph of arm chair and matching side
chair, Chippendale style
.30 photograph of arm chair and matching side
chair, no. 643, early 19th century style
.31 drawings of three chairs, one with arms,
other two side chairs, with shield backs, some yellow tinting
.32 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 6757
.33 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Queen Anne style, no. 6700 and 6701
.34 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 2892 and 2890
.35 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Queen Anne style, no. 951 and 953
.36 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Sheraton or Hepplewhite style, no. 5615
.37 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, in black ink with wash
.38 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, Renaissance style
.39 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with solid shield backs, in brown ink
.40 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair
.41 printed drawing of arm chair and matching
side chair, Renaissance style, prices for mahogany and oak on back
.42 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with winged creature for arms
.43 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with heavily carved backs and winged creatures for arms
.44-45 drawing of arm chair and matching side chair,
with highly carved backs
.46 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, Jacobean or Flemish style
.47 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with caned sides (and probably caned seats)
.48 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, Pilgrim style
.49 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with reeded tapered legs
.50 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, no. 19
.51 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair; arm chair not really suited for use at dining table
.52 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with oval backs
.53 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with rough sketch of another chair on back
.54 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair, with winged creatures for arms
.55 drawing of arm chair and matching side
chair; arm chair not really suited for use at dining table
.56 photographic print of arm chair and
matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 962 and 963
.57 small sketch of a Chippendale side chair,
with name Robert Morris
.58 colored drawing of a side chair
.59 drawing of a side chair, with colored
highlights
.60 colored drawing of a side chair with
shield back
.61 drawing of a side chair, with colored
seat
.62 drawings of 2 side chairs, with colored
highlights, early 19th century style
.63 drawing of a side chair, plain Queen Anne
or Chippendale style
.64 drawings of 2 side chairs, one with caned
seat and oval back; other available with rush seat (although not depicted in
drawing)
.65-.69 drawings
of side chairs (one per sheet), in various styles, in ink or pencil
.70 drawing of a side chair; on back: sketch
of a sofa
.71 drawings of two side chairs, Sheraton or
Hepplewhite styles, in ink
.72 drawings of two side chairs, with
Chippendale style legs
.73 drawing of a Windsor chair
.74-.78 drawings
of side chairs, in various styles; .80-.81 are almost identical, but .80 has
yellow highlights
Chairs (continued):
.79-.81 drawings of side chairs, in various
styles; .80-.81 are almost identical, but .80 has yellow highlights
.82 drawings of three side chairs, in color
.83 printed drawings of two armchairs, no. 9
and no. 10
.84 drawing of an arm chair with carved front
feet
.85 drawing of a Chippendale style chair,
also available as a side chair, with prices and dimensions given
.86 drawings of two arm chairs
.87 printed drawings of two arm chairs, no. 7
and no. 8
.88-.91 drawings
of large scale arm chairs in various styles
Sofas, settees, hall benches:
.92 colored drawing of a divan (backless
sofa)
.93-.98 drawings of upholstered sofas, in
various styles
.99-.101 drawings of hall benches with backs
and arms, with carved or plain panels; the seats appear to be hinged, with
storage compartments underneath [see also .105]
.102 drawing of a settee with carved back and
arms (not upholstered)
.103 drawing of a bench, showing variations in
all its parts: seat, arms, legs
.104 drawing of carved settee
.105 drawing of hall bench with back and arms,
with carved panels; the seats appear to be hinged, with storage compartments
underneath [see also .99-.101]
.106-.109 drawings of large hall benches;
.107-.109 include mirrors; .107 also has hooks for hats or coats
Hall tables:
.110-.113 drawings of large tables with mirrors
attached, possibly for use in a hallway (.111 has hooks for hats or coats);
.112 could possibly be a dressing table
Serving tables:
.114-124 drawings of serving tables in various
styles, with combinations of drawers, shelves, and cabinets
Sideboards:
.125 drawing of a small sideboard, Sheraton or
Hepplewhite style, with yellow highlights
.126-.131 drawings of carved sideboards, some
with mirrors; .126 has yellow highlights
Cabinets (for liquor, music, records, and
unspecified uses):
.132 drawing of a cabinet, with Chippendale feet
and Gothic details on the doors
.133 drawing of a liquor cabinet, including a
drawing of the inside showing glasses and bottles in place
.134-.137 drawings of cabinets in various styles
.138 drawing of a record cabinet, with details
of size
.139 drawing of a tall cabinet with 8 drawers,
possibly a lingerie chest, in ink
.140 drawing of a cabinet, with a detail of the
inside showing shelves and compartments of various sizes, use is not specified
.141 drawing of a music cabinet
.142 drawing of a cabinet
Cabinets (for liquor, music, records, and
unspecified uses) (continued):
.143 drawing of a cabinet, showing details of
inside compartments
.144 drawing of a cabinet, showing detail of
inside drawers, the top 3 of which are to have dark blue lining, possibly
intended for jewelry or silver storage
.145 drawing of a chest of drawers
.146 drawing of a cabinet with many small and
several larger drawers, probably for storage of a collection
.147 drawing of a cabinet, rendered in brown ink
Corner cupboards:
.148-.156 drawings of corner cupboards, in
various styles, most of which include a profile of the triangular shape of the
piece; .148 has colored highlights
.157-.201 drawings of china cabinets in various
sizes and styles; some in pen, some in color or with colored highlights
Tables:
.202 drawing of a small round side table
.203 drawing of a round side table [note: badly
foxed]
.204 drawing of a ornate pier table
.205-.206 drawings of round dining tables into
which leaves could be inserted
Drawings
with more than one furniture form depicted:
.207 drawings
of a china cabinet and a serving table
.208 drawings
of a coffee table and a cabinet with shallow drawers
.209 drawings
of a hall bench and a large mirror
.210 drawing
of a table and a large mirror with hooks (which are shown used together)
.211 drawings of a hall bench with back and arms
and a large mirror (which does seem to be attached to the bench)
.212 drawing of a china cabinet (labeled “china
closet,” and showing china displayed on the shelves) and an arm chair
.213-214 drawings of two matching side chairs
and a hall or library table
.215 drawings of a table or pedestal with open
sides and a cabinet or pedestal with closed sides
.216 drawings of a small side or bedside table
and a side chair (probably with cane back and seat), both with yellow
highlights
Mirrors:
.217 mirror with feet, perhaps meant to be used
on top of a table
.218 large mirror (or possibly a screen), in
three panels, for use in a dressing room
.219-.222 mirrors in various style frames, one of
which includes hooks for hats
Clocks:
.223 photograph of a tall case clock, topped
with angels
.224-227 drawings of mantle or shelf clocks
.228-.238 drawings of tall case clocks, some with
yellow highlights
Screens:
.239 drawing of a small screen, perhaps for use
on top of a table, in ink with colored highlights
.240 drawing of a three panel screen
.241 drawing of a two panel screen, one half of
which contains a mirror
Boxes and chests:
.242 drawing of a box or chest
.243 drawing of a box or chest, with detail of
inside compartments, perhaps meant for liquor storage
.244 drawing of a box or chest with prominent
hinges
.245-.246 drawings of carved chests
.247 drawing of a chest or box with prominent
hinges
.248 drawing of a highly carved chest
Pedestals and stands:
.249-.256 drawings of pedestals or stands in
various styles; .256 also includes a drawing on the back
Mantles:
.257-.268 drawings of mantles and fireplace
surrounds, some of which include mirrors, in various styles; .257 is in color
Miscellaneous pieces and design drawings:
.269 drawing of a bowl or jardinière supported
by rabbits
.270 drawing of a carved cornucopia design
.271 photograph of a carving of two children
holding a garland, between them is a cartouche containing an open book
.272 drawings of two rectangular designs,
possibly carved designs for furniture or for wall decoration
.273 note about a trousseau chest to be made for
Mrs. Howard Clark, to include the date 1910
Acc. 07x123:
.1 sideboard or serving table
.2 sideboard
.3 cupboard or china cabinet
.4 sideboard
.5 sideboard, with variations in foot
design; matting covers most of the Ragatz stamp
.6 side chair and arm chair
.7 sideboard
.8 pedestal, stamped John H. Ragatz
.9 sideboard; on back: rough sketch of
another sideboard; matted
.10 dining table, stamped John H. Ragatz;
written on back: Mrs. T. P. Chandler, Rosemont, P.R.R.,
.11 bookcase or china cabinet
.12 arm chair and side chair; on back: rough
sketches of design elements
.13 sideboard, with prices
.14 sideboard
.15 china cabinet
.16 china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz,
with price; on back: rough sketch of a cabinet
.17 sidebaord, matted; on back: sketches of
furniture profiles
.18 dining table
.19 china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz
.20 two sideboards or serving tables, stamped
John H. Ragatz; on back: rough sketch of a dressing table or sideboard
.21 china cabinet, with prices, stamped John
H. Ragatz; on back: additional prices
.22 sideboard
.23 china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz
.24 breakfront cabinet, dated 4-18-1911
.25 china cabinet
.26 sideboard or court cupboard
.27 sideboard
.28 sideboard
.29 china cabinet or display case
.30 dining table
.31 dining table
.32 round dining table; on back: sketch of
detail and rough sketch of another table
.33 dining table
.34 round dining table, Neoclassical style
.35 oval dining table; written on back: #13
dining table
.36 dining table, stamped John H. Ragatz
.37 dining table
.38 dining table; on back: sketches of
details and various notes, name: Mr. Christian Fetizer(?), 4th
[illegible] Higland, S.S.R.R.
.39 china cabinet or bookcase
.40 corner cupboard, including a view from
above
.41 side chair, occasional chair
.42 large china cabinet, with notes about
variations in size, how made, etc., with prices
.43 Sheraton sideboard #12
.44 sideboard #11, with name: Mrs. Ingersoll
.45 sideboard #10, available in different
woods; on back: rough sketches of details
.46 Colonial sideboard #9
.47 sideboard #5
.48
.49 Sheraton sideboard #7 [? possibly #4]
Acc. 09x47:
.1 sideboard with much carving
.2 bookcase with shelves for large books
.3 china cabinet with scroll-top
.4 corner cupboard with glass door on
upper section, carved doors on lower section
.5 hall bench with large mirror, with
heraldic birds for arms and a helmet on top; gives prices for different kinds
of wood
.6 corner cupboard with glass door on
upper section, carved doors on lower section
.7 cupboard, showing door options: carved
wood or glass
.8 hall bench with large mirror
.9 labeled on back: #14, Parlor china
closets, a cabinet in three sections, two of which have glass doors; stamped as
Ragatz property