The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:          John F. Small, b. 1858                         

Title:               Designs for furniture

Dates:             ca.1890-1900

Call No.:         Col. 674

Acc. No.:         64x117

Quantity:        341 items (1 box)

Location:        3 J 5

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

John F. Small was a furniture designer working in Boston in the 1890s.  He was born in Harwich, Massachusetts, on October 3, 1858, the son of Samuel J. and Mary B. Small.  He had an older brother named Samuel, born in 1852.  Their father was a seaman.  John married Maria L. Eldridge of Chatham, Mass., on June 13, 1885.

 

Small seems to have done most of his work for Keeler & Co., a Boston furniture manufacturer owned by Cornelius P. and George A. Keeler and Ruel P. Buzzell.  Keeler & Co. was located at 81-91 Washington St.; their factory was in East Cambridge.  Keeler & Co. advertised that they made furniture from original designs and that yacht work was a specialty.  By 1900, the Keelers had withdrawn from the company and the firm had changed its name to Cobb-Buzzell Co.

 

In 1901, John and his brother Samuel went into business together as Small Bros., naval architects.  Samuel had also been in the furniture business, working for Paine Furniture.  Small Bros. was a successful company.  One of their designs was called the Windrim Kid.  Samuel died on September 30, 1907; John was still alive at that time.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

The collection contains drawings, some in pencil, a few in watercolor, but many in ink, of various furniture and architectural forms: bedsteads, chests of drawers, desks, sideboards, tables, chairs, clocks, bookcases, mantels, easels, pianos, mirrors, hall trees, etc.  A few designs include prices, dimensions, or customers’ names.  Decorative objects are shown on a number of pieces of furniture, such as china in china cabinets, books in bookcases, and pincushions, a collar, and various jars and vases on chests of drawers.  As well, there are some photographs of furniture, mostly tables, but also a sideboard and a couple of chairs.  Among the drawings are some designs for ads or trade cards, one for Keeler & Co., and three for Small himself.  Lastly, the collection also includes some miscellaneous pages from art and builders’ magazines.

 

 

ORGANIZATION

           

The drawings are arranged by type of furniture depicted: bedsteads, desks, chairs, tables, etc, and are in accession number order.

 

 

PROVENANCE

           

Purchased from Avis and Rockwell Gardiner. 

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

Topics:

            Furniture design – Massachusetts – Boston – 19th century.

            Furniture - Drawings.

            Furniture designers – Massachusetts – Boston – 19th century.

            Furniture, Victorian.

            Furniture – Prices.

            Advertisements – Furniture.

            Furniture industry and trade – Massachusetts – Boston.

            Mantels.

            Drawings.

            Photographs.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 3 J 5

 

 

Bedsteads:

 

.1         drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows

 

.2         drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows

 

.3         drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows, and a rug on the floor

 

.4         drawings of three bedstead, showing mattress and pillows, plus part of a fourth bedstead

 

.5         drawings of headboards of three bedsteads

 

.6         drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows; part of the design is labeled “spindles”     

 

.7         drawings of headboards of two bedsteads, labeled “simple bedsteads”

 

.8         ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, labeled No. 611

 

.9         drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows, with notes about other pieces and prices

 

.10       drawings of two bedsteads

 

.11       ink drawing of a bedstead; signed Small

 

.12       ink drawing of a bedstead; signed Small

 

.13       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams; the feet appear to have casters on them; signed Small

 

.14       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, signed Small

 

.15       ink drawing of a rococo style bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, labeled No. 426; signed Small

 

.16       drawings of two bedsteads

 

.17       drawing of a bedstead, headboard or footboard

 

.18       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress, blanket, and pillows, with rug on floor

 

.19       drawing of part of a bedstead

 

.20       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams; signed Small

 

.21       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams; labeled No. 431; signed Small

 

.22       ink drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, labeled “Marquetry Bedstead, No. 429,” signed Small

 

.23       drawing of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows

 

.24       drawing, partially in ink, of a highly decorative column, possibly part of a headboard

 

.25       ink drawing of part of a headboard

 

.26       drawings of two bedsteads, showing mattress and pillows; the top bedstead is labeled No. 1 and No. 53; the bottom bedstead is labeled No. 2090; signed Small

 

.27       drawings of three bedsteads, showing mattress and pillows with pillow covers

 

.28       drawings of parts of three bedsteads

 

.29       light drawing of part of a bedstead, showing a pillow

 

 

Bedroom furniture:

 

.30       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, and a dresser with mirror

 

.31       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow covers, and a dresser with mirror

 

.32       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, a dressing table with a mirror, and what is probably a large washstand; prices are indicated for each piece

 

.33       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, and two different styles of dressers with mirrors; the bedstead is marked as having octagonal posts; the dressers appear to have casters; the drawing is marked with a small S inside a circle

 

.34       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows with pillow shams, and of a dresser with a mirror; the bedstead is marked as having round posts

 

.35       ink drawings of a bedstead, showing mattress and pillows, and of a dresser with a mirror

 

.36       ink drawings of matching ornate bedstead and large dresser with mirror

 

.37       ink drawings of bedstead and two different styles of dressers with mirrors, labeled No. 487

 

.38       ink drawing of a chest of drawers with a brass rail on top; dimensions given; labeled Keeler & Co.

 

.39       ink drawing of a bureau with mirror

 

.40       ink drawing of a bureau with mirror

 

.41       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, length given, labeled :Dressin Case”

 

.42       drawing of dressing table or washstand with mirror, labeled No. 3037

 

.43       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.44       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.45       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.46       drawing of dressing table with mirror (drawing not very detailed)

 

.47       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, price is given

 

.48       watercolor drawing of a dressing table or chest of drawers with mirror, labeled No. 504           

 

.49       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.50       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

            [note: drawing is torn]

 

.51       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.52       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.53       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.54       ink drawing of dressing table with mirror, signed Small

 

.55       drawing of dressing table with mirror

 

.56       ink drawing of a bureau with mirror, labeled No. 63

 

.57       ink drawings of three dressing tables with mirrors, prices are indicated; labeled No. 2324, 2325, 2326

 

.58       ink drawing of bureau with mirror; dimensions of top and of mirror are given; signed Small

 

.59       drawing of bureau with mirror

 

.60       ink drawing of a bureau with mirror, dimensions of top are indicated

 

.61       ink drawing of a bureau with mirror, labeled No. 71

 

.62       ink drawings of an armoire and a bureau with mirror, showing items on top of the bureau (a bottle of bay rum, a detachable collar, etc.); prices are given; labeled Keeler & Co.

 

.63       ink drawing of a mahogany bureau with mirror, showing items on top of the bureau (bottles, pin cushion, etc.), and a rug on the floor; dresser appears to be on casters; dimensions are included; signed J. F. Small, 48 Winter St., Boston

 

.64       ink drawing of a dresser with mirror

 

.65       ink drawing of dresser with round mirror and lion’s paw feet

 

.66       drawing of a large dressing table with mirror

 

.67       partial drawing of a dressing table with mirror

 

.68       ink drawing of a dressing table with mirror, showing a rug; labeled No. 3191; signed Small; marked return to Keeler & Co.

 

.69       ink drawing of a dressing table with mirror

 

.70       small drawing of a dressing table and a large drawing of part of a dressing table, both with mirrors

 

.71       ink drawing of a chest of drawers or dressing table with long mirror; includes a detail of what appears to be the knobs, and a drawing of the layout of the top

 

.72       ink drawing of a chest of drawers with a full-length mirror to one side, labeled No. 2922

 

.73       drawing of a chest of drawers with a full-length mirror to one side, labeled No. 2883, $135; one part is marked “not grooved”

 

.74       ink drawing of a hall settee (a seat with a mirror and a small cabinet)

 

.75       ink drawing of a dressing table with mirror; the table is covered with a floor length cloth and the mirror is draped with fabric; several items, including what appears to be an Oriental box and figures are on top of the table; a cat and a ball of yarn are on the floor next to the table; signed Small

 

.76       ink drawing of a washstand

 

.77       ink drawing of a dressing table or washstand

 

.78       ink drawing of a large washstand, price $30; appears to be on casters; signed Small

 

.79       ink drawing of a large washstand, price $45; appears to be on casters

 

 

Desks, desks with bookcases, and bookcases:

 

.80       ink drawings of a small six-sided mahogany table and of a small slant-top mahogany desk with a brass rail on top; dimensions and prices given; signed JF Small

 

.81       ink drawings of a small slant top desk, with a small bookcase on top, labeled No. 98, and of a small square table with drawers, labeled No. 63

 

.82       ink drawing of a small slant top desk, signed Small

 

.83       ink drawing of a mall slant top desk, labeled “Carved Desk, No. 592,” signed Small

 

.84       ink drawing of a small slant top desk with a small bookcase on top, labeled No. 602, signed Small

 

.85       ink drawing of a bookcase with a center section that is probably a desk, labeled No. 576, signed Small

 

.86       ink drawing of a slant top desk with a bookcase to one side, labeled NO. 575, signed Small

 

.87       ink drawing of a desk and bookcase unit, labeled No. 607, signed Small

 

.88       ink drawing of a desk with bookcase

 

.89       drawing of a desk or library table, with scale indicated, and a detailed of the kidney-shaped top

 

.90       drawing of a desk or library table with an oval top

 

.91       ink drawing of a desk; signed J Small (with J drawn through the S)

 

.92       wash drawing of a desk with kidney-shaped top, scale is indicated

 

.93       ink drawing of a desk, showing front and end views, signed with a J drawn through an S

 

.94       drawing of a square bookcase that swivels around

 

.95       drawing of a bookcase, probably with glass doors, drawer and cabinet on lower section, dimensions given

 

.96       ink drawing of a large bookcase with glass doors, the center section is probably a desk,

 

.97       ink drawing of a bookcase, with glass doors on the upper section and curtains on the lower section, labeled No. 577; signed Small

 

.98       ink drawing of a bookcase with curtained shelves, and a space above for a picture, the lower section consists of drawers; labeled Keeler & Co.; signed with an S inside a circle

 

.99       ink drawing of a large bookcase with glass doors and one drawer, labeled No. 603, signed Small

 

.100     ink drawing of a tall bookcase with glass doors, lower section may contain drawers; signed Small

 

.101     ink drawing of a bonnet top bookcase, with flame finial and glass doors, signed Small

 

.102     ink drawing of a bookcase with curtained shelves, the lower section contains a drawer; signed Small

 

.103     ink drawing of a bookcase with glass doors, the lower section contains drawers, labeled No. 543

 

.104     ink drawing of a tall bookcase with curtained shelves; the lower section contains drawers; labeled No. 2581

 

.105     ink drawing of a bookcase with curtained shelves; also contains two drawers; labeled No. 579

 

.106     ink drawing of a bookcase with glass doors and drawers on the lower section, signed Small

 

 

Dining room case furniture

 

.107     ink drawing of a sideboard with upper shelves; labeled No. 570; signed Small

 

.108     drawing of a china cabinet with glass doors, the width is given; china pieces are shown inside the cabinet

 

.109     drawing with watercolor highlights of a sideboard with a mirror and upper shelves

 

.110     drawing with watercolor highlights of the front and side views of a large sideboard, with mirrors and upper shelves, price is noted; numbered 1703 in upper left corner

 

.111     Drawings of furniture (probably sideboards for a dining room); also drawings of children, a couple dancing an Irish jig, two doing another dance, and two girls

            [drawing has been mounted on paper]

 

.112     ink drawing of a very large and tall dining room storage piece, with drawers and cabinets in the lower section and shelves in the upper section

 

.113     ink drawing of a china cabinet with glass doors, labeled No. 589; signed Small

 

.114     drawings of sideboards, one on each side of the piece of paper, both have upper shelves

 

.115     ink drawing of a sideboard with upper shelf; the feet appear to have casters

 

.116     ink drawing of an elaborate large sideboard, with upper shelves and cabinet, labeled No. 617, signed Small

 

.117     ink drawing of a china cabinet with glass doors, labeled # 577

 

.118     ink drawing of a sideboard with upper shelves, labeled No. 531

 

.119     ink drawing of a sideboard with upper shelves

 

.120     ink drawing of a side board, length is given; signed Small, labeled Keeler and Co.; notes on back are probably specifications about modifications for a customer (whose name and address are given)

 

.121     three drawings of sideboards, each with mirror and upper shelf; on back: rough sketches of chairs

 

.122     watercolor drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelf

 

.123     ink drawing of a side board with mirror and upper shelves, labeled No. 572’ signed Small

 

.124     ink drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelf, labeled No. 569; signed Small

 

.125     ink drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelf, labeled No. 320, signed Small

 

.126     ink drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelves, labeled No. 616, signed Small

 

.127     rough sketch of a sideboard with upper shelf, with some notes

 

.128     ink drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelf; on back: rough ink sketches of a sideboard and what might be a chest of drawers

 

.129     drawing of a long sideboard

 

.130     partial drawing of a sideboard; on back: rough sketch of a sideboard

 

.131     ink drawing of a sideboard with mirror and upper shelf, length is given

 

.132     sketch of a sideboard with upper shelf

 

 

Side chairs

 

.133     sketch of a chair, with a rough sketch of something else

 

.134     ink drawing of a chair, with price quoted for leather upholstery; labeled Keeler & Co.

 

.135     drawing of a chair with round seat and rounded back extending into arms

 

.136     drawings of matching arm chair and side chair, both in the Chippendale style

 

.137     ink drawing of a chair

 

.138     ink drawing of a chair

 

.139     drawings of four different chairs

 

.140     drawing of a chair,  in Queen Anne or Chippendale style, labeled No. 1230

 

.141     ink drawing of a chair with spiral front legs, price given, labeled No. 1776; signed Small

 

.142     ink drawings of six different chairs

 

 

Armchairs

 

.143     ink drawing of an armchair with animal heads on the arms; labeled 409; signed Small

 

.144     partial drawing of the same armchair as in .143 above

 

.145     ink drawing of an armchair with carved dragons on the arms; signed Small

 

.146     drawing of an armchair

 

.147     drawing of an armchair, with casters on the feet; a name is written above the chair

 

.148     ink drawing of an armchair, similar in style to a Morris chair, signed Small

 

.149     ink drawing of an armchair

 

.150     ink drawing of an armchair with casters on the feet

 

.151     ink drawing of an armchair, with an elaborately carved crest rail, feet have casters

 

.152     ink drawing of an armchair, with price for leather upholstery, feet have casters

 

 

Rocking chairs

 

.153     drawing of a rocking chair

 

.154     ink drawing of a rocking chair with seat that curves into arms

 

.155     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.156     drawing of a rocking chair with a scrolled crest rail

 

.157     drawing of a rocking chair with 17th century design elements

 

.158     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.159     ink drawing of a rocking chair with four-lobed back

 

.160     ink drawing of a rocking chair with solid wood sides

 

.161     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with back that curves around into the arms

 

.162     ink drawing of a rocking chair with a low back and high arms

 

.163     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.164     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.165     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.166     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.167     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.168     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with carved back

 

.169     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with a Queen Anne inspired back and Windsor chair inspired legs

 

.170     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with solid wood along part of the sides (rather like an old settle)

 

.171     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.172     ink drawing of a rocking chair

 

.173     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with 17th century style elements

 

.174     ink drawing of a rocking chair, with x-shaped arms and legs

[note: drawing is torn]

 

.175     ink drawing of a rocking chair with solid sides

           

.176     ink drawing of a mahogany rocking chair with upholstery, signed J. F. Small, 48 Winter St., Boston

 

 

Upholstered chairs

 

.177     drawing of an armless chair and part of a drawing of a sofa or settee, also part of a drawing of something else (the paper is torn); the feet of the chair and sofa are highlighted with yellow pigment

 

.178     drawing of an armchair, the outside portions of which are wood, labeled No. 555

 

.179     watercolor of an armless chair, labeled No. 2835, width is indicated, to be made in light ash, the front legs and front rail have carving on them

 

 

Office chairs with wheels; special occasion chairs

 

.180     drawing of a large throne-like chair, labeled “Presiding chair,” with “Mayor chair” crossed out

 

.181     drawing of a smaller version of the chair in .180, labeled “Small Pres. Chair, aldermen”

 

.182     drawing of a solid wood chair with Gothic design elements, labeled No. 1468, “Return sketch to Designing Room, Keeler & Co., 83 Washington St., Boston”

 

.183     drawings of three chairs: one chair on high legs (it probably swivels, for use by a draftsman), one desk chair with legs on casters, and an arm chair

            [note: part of drawing is detached]

 

.184     a printed drawing labeled “Plate XLII, Bank Chairs,” showing six different styles of chairs, two with casters, nothing indicates from whose catalog the plate came

 

.185     ink drawing of +an office chair with legs on casters, the legs are highly carved, labeled # 2519

 

.186     drawing of an office chair with legs on casters

 

 

Sofas, settees, benches

 

.187     drawing of a settee with carving on the back

 

.188     drawing of a settee, with watercolor highlights; shows two different versions of decoration along the top back rail, labeled No. 1887

 

.189     drawing of a hall bench, with a cane and pair of gloves laying on the seat; labeled No. 2176; signed Williams

 

.190     drawing of a hall bench, with watercolor highlights, features decorative carving

 

.191     ink drawing of an elaborate hall bench, placed in a room setting showing wall paneling, doorway, and rug on floor; a cane lays on the seat; signed J.F. Small, 48 Winter St., Boston

 

.192     drawings of a chair, a settee, and what appears to be a mantel

 

.193`    ink drawing of a sofa with loose cushions, wood sides, and carved arms, feet appear to have casters, apparently a coordinating armchair was available; signature cut off

 

.194     drawing of a sofa with tassels

 

.195     drawing of a sofa with tassels

 

.196     drawing of a sofa with tassels

 

.197     drawing of a sofa with tassels, signed Ricky

 

.198     drawing of a chaise longue or day bed

 

.199     drawing of a chaise longue or day bed

 

.200     drawing of a chaise longue

 

.201     drawing of a chaise longue

 

 

Hall benches and chairs

 

.202     sketch of a hall bench, probably with a mirror

 

.203     ink drawing of a hall bench, with seat curving into arms and probably with a mirror

 

.204     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror, signed Small

 

.205     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror, labeled No. 712, signed Small

 

.206     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

.207     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror, signed Small

 

.208     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

.209     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror, signed Small

 

.210     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror, labeled No. 710

 

.211     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

.212     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

.213     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and a mirror; signed Small

 

.214     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

.215     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror and attached cabinet; signed Keeler & Co., and with an S inside a circle

 

.216     ink drawing of a hall tree with a bench and mirror

 

 

Dining and library tables

 

.217     drawing of a library table, labeled No. 581, signed Small

 

.218     drawing of a table, similar to that in .220, below, signed Williams

 

.219     drawing of a library table, price given

 

.220     ink drawing labeled “Directors Table, No. 1971”

 

.221     drawing of a table labeled “table for counting votes, aldermen,” dimensions given

            [note: part of drawing has been torn off and is missing]

 

.222     ink drawing of a library table

 

.223     ink drawing of a library table

 

.224     drawings of three round tables, No. 2959, 2960, and 2961; the first two were available in oak or mahogany, No. 2961 was available in oak or walnut and had coordinating side and armchairs, prices given for table and oak chairs; No. 2961 was designed for Marshall Field & Co.

 

.225     ink drawing of a library table

 

.226     drawing of an oval table, probably for dining

 

.227     ink drawing of a dining or library table

 

.228     ink drawing of a dining table designed to take extension leaves

 

.229     ink drawing labeled “A Dining Table extended,” No. 167, signed Small, drawing is within a decorative border

 

.230     drawing of a dining table designed to take extension leaves; feet appear to have casters

 

.231     ink drawing of a library table with carved stretchers, feet appear to have casters, signed Small

 

.232     ink drawing of a library table, stretchers marked “sawed through,” signed Small

 

.233     ink drawing of a library tabled with fret work on the stretchers, labeled No. 583, signed Small

 

.234     ink drawing of a dining table, signed Small

 

.235     ink drawing of a library table, labeled No. 321, signed Small

 

.236     ink drawing of a library table with large feet shaped like paws, signed Small

 

.237     ink drawing of a library table, labeled No. 582, signed Small

 

.238     ink drawing of the side view of a library table

 

.239     ink drawing of a library table; signed Small

 

.240     ink drawing of the side view of a library table with dolphin legs

 

.241     ink drawing of a library table, labeled No. 398

 

.242     ink drawing of a library table with fret work on the stretchers, labeled No. 585, signed Small

 

.243     drawing of a round dining table, with price in oak, labeled No. 2958, Keeler & Co.

 

 

Occasional tables

 

.244     ink drawing of a round top table with center pedestal, signed Small

 

.245     ink drawing of a round top table with center pedestal, signed Small

 

.246     ink drawing of a table, possibly a dining table with center pedestal, labeled No. 557

 

.247     ink drawing labeled “small table,” very similar to Chippendale style tilt-top tea tables

 

.248     drawing of a table with round top and six-sided shelf; sketches of another table and another furniture piece

 

.249     drawing of a round table with small shelf

 

.250     ink drawing of a round table with shelf

 

.251     drawing with watercolor highlights of a table with rectangular top and central pedestal

 

.252     ink drawings of the sides of three tables, all with Renaissance motifs; signed J. F. Small des.

 

.253     ink drawing of a rectangular table with a shelf, labeled No. 518

 

.254     ink drawings of two tables, one with an oval top and a shelf, and the other with a rectangular top

 

.255     ink drawing of a small rectangular table, labeled No. 449

 

.256     ink drawing of a small squarish table with a shelf

 

.257     ink drawing of a small oval top table with a shelf, labeled No. 445

 

.258     ink drawing of a small table with a shelf under the top

 

.259     ink drawing of what could be a dressing table (but without a mirror), has reeded legs

 

.260     ink drawings of a table and a plan of the top, shelf, and stretchers of the table; scale is given; signed Small

 

.261     drawing of the frame for a square table, dimensions given; drawn on stationery from the Adams House, 553 Washington St., Boston, 189-

 

.262     drawing of a square table, dimensions given; on back: diagram, perhaps of table stretchers; drawn on stationery from the Adams House

 

 

Table-cabinet combinations, sewing tables, etc.

 

.263     drawing of small kidney shaped table with three drawers

 

.264     ink drawing of a small table with a cabinet and shelf

 

.265     drawing of a small table with a cabinet and shelf (similar to .264 above)

 

.266     drawing of a table with a cabinet and shelves covered with a curtain, perhaps an atlas stand for a library, gives price and customer’s name and address

 

.267     ink drawing, table very similar to .266 above, giving dimensions and production notes, signed Small

 

.268     ink drawing of small table with cabinet and reeded legs

 

.269     ink drawing of a small table with cabinet and Queen Anne style curved legs

 

 

Display cabinets

 

.270     ink drawing of a small cabinet with upper shelves

 

.271     ink drawing of a small cabinet with lower shelf

 

.272     ink drawing of a display table, with glassed-in cabinet and a small open shelf; signed Small

 

.273     ink drawing of a round china cabinet with glass shelves, a glass door, and a glass dome on top; signed Small

 

.274     ink drawing of a china cabinet with glass door; signed Small

 

.275     ink drawing of a china cabinet with mirror back; the upper shelves have glass doors; signed Small

 

.276     watercolor drawing of a hanging wall cabinet, with glass door and open shelves

 

 

Clocks

 

.277     drawing of a tall case clock

 

.278     drawing of a mantel or table clock, with highlights in yellow

 

 

Cornice

 

.279     ink drawing of a cornice to which drapery is attached; could be used above a bed, window, or door; includes dimensions; signed J. F. Small, 48 Winter St., Boston;

on back: pencil drawings of design elements

 

 

Easels

 

.280     ink drawing of an easel, probably for displaying art, rather than for creating art; labeled No. 2913

 

.281     ink drawings of three easels and a side view of an easel; the large easel was probably meant for displaying art; the others, smaller and simpler, could have been used by artists in their work, or for display; labeled No. 1332, 1333, 1334

 

 

Mirrors

 

.282     ink drawing of an oval mirror on a stand, labeled No. 519

           

.283     ink drawing of a full-length triple mirror, labeled No. 528

 

.284     ink drawing of a full-length mirror, labeled No. 529

 

 

Pianos

 

.285     drawing of front and side views of an upright piano; on back: variations of side views of an upright piano

 

.286     partial drawing of an upright piano, with curved side

 

.287     drawing of an upright piano

 

 

Mantels, architectural elements, etc.

 

.288     ink drawing of a fireplace, mantel, and an over mantel which has mirrors and a shelf; labeled Mantel No. 3, signed Small, Keeler and Co., SKH oak

 

.289     partial drawing of an elaborate furniture item, probably a dining room cabinet

 

.290     ink sketches of various elements: perhaps part of a clock face (bearing the inscription “Time and Tide”), three mantels (with oval mantels), and what might be a china cabinet; various decorative elements are also shown

 

.291     watercolor of a room decoration scheme, including a section of paneling with a shelf and mirror above it, two windows, a decorative frieze, and what is probably a vaulted ceiling; additional sketch of something on back

 

.292     ink sketch of a room decoration scheme, with paneling, pilasters, and decorated walls

 

.293     ink sketches of front and end views of an armoire; signed Small

 

 

More than one form on a page

 

.294     sketches of chairs and a sofa; on back: sketch of a canopied bed, showing bed curtains and bolster pillow, and of a chair; on piece of stationery from C. W. Roeth & Co., manufacturer of artistic furniture, Boston

 

.295     sketches of sideboards and occasional tables; on back: sketches of sideboard and part of a table

 

.296     drawings of various chests of drawers, desks, library or dining tables, sideboards, dressing table; on back: partial sketch of an elaborate cabinet

 

.297     drawings of details of table legs and a sofa end

            [note: paper marred by black ink stains]

 

.298     drawings of a sideboard and a library or dining table, both with dimensions; labeled “coy of sketches sent to Reaux & Co., New York”

 

.299     sketches of an oval top table and a sideboard

 

.300     drawings of three desks and a library table; on back: sketches of other tables and cabinets

 

.301     a page of ink drawings, evidently drawn for an advertisement or catalog, the drawings are of a table and a desk, both of which are meant for office or library use; two dining room chairs (an arm chair and a side chair in the same design), and a large cabinet called a Japanese Cabinet, on which is displayed pieces of china; the drawing is signed J. F. Small, designer

 

.302     watercolor drawings of a suite of chairs: arm and side chairs and matching settee, plus a table with a small round top and a larger table labeled “this table for music room”

 

.303     ink drawings of a library or dining table and three different side chairs (which were also available as arm chairs); each drawing includes some notes about size or construction and the price; stamped in one corner: To be returned to Keeler & Co., 81 to 91 Washington St., Boston

 

 

Miscellaneous drawings

 

.304     unfinished sketches of designs

 

.305     sketches of various scroll designs

 

.306     ink drawing of an advertisement or business card,” J. F. Small, designer, 48 Winter St., Boston,” including a chair and a sideboard

 

.307     ink drawing of an advertisement, “J. F. Small, designer,” with the sun, ocean wave, and mermaid, signed J.F. Small, del.

 

.308     ink drawing of an advertisement, “J. F. Small, designer,” with a cupid and a sunflower; on back: partial drawing of a mantel and over mantel with shelves

 

.309     ink drawing for an advertisement for Keeler and Co., 83 Washington St., Boston, “fine furniture, upholstery, & bedding, yacht work a specialty, furniture made from original designs”; depicts a salon on a yacht; signed J. F. Small

 

.310     ink drawing of a boat

 

.311     drawing of a sailboat

 

.312     sketch of a building with towers

 

.313     ink drawing entitled “Seeing the Paintings,” showing a group of people at an art exhibition, possibly an ad for the Weston-Maxim Incandescent Light System (which name appears on the overhead lights), includes a note about cleaning up pen strokes

 

.314     ink drawing of two women boarding a gondola, signed J. F. Small

 

.315     large ink drawing of a classical Greek woman holding a lyre

 

 

Photographs of furniture

 

.316     photo of a recliner chair, same as .317 below, but shown in upright position; note on back indicates that this chair could be a rocker when in this upright position

 

.317     photo of a recliner chair, same as .316 above, but shown in reclined position and with footstool extended; see also note on back

 

.318     photo of dining or library table, labeled 33, size of top 52x52 (photo mounted on linen)

 

.319     photo of dining or library table, labeled 32, size of top 52x52 (photo mounted on linen)

 

.320     photo of dining or library table, labeled 5, size of top 45x45, with reeded legs (photo mounted on linen)

 

.321     photo of a dining or library table, labeled 13, size of top 48x48, feet in shape of paws (photo mounted on linen)

 

.322     photo of dining or library table, decorated with swirls, labeled 6960x52, mounted on linen

 

.323     photo of a side board with mirror and upper shelves and carved decorative work, labeled 47, size of glass 34x20 (photo mounted on board)

 

.324     photo of dining or library table, labeled 14, size of top 54x48

 

.325     photo of a chair, labeled No. 227, has casters on feet (photo mounted on linen)

 

.326     photo of dining or library table, labeled #41, size of top 54x54, with carved designs (photo mounted on board)

 

.327     photo of dining or library table, size of top 52x52, legs with carved acanthus leaf designs (photo mounted on board)

 

.328     photo of dining or library table, size of top 52x52, legs have carved scallop shell designs (photo mounted on board)

 

.329     photo of dining or library table, labeled 34, size of top 60x52, legs are carved

 

.330     photo of dining or library table, labeled 39, size of top 50x50, feet have casters (photo mounted on linen)

 

.331     photo of dining or library table, labeled 15, size of top 54x48 (photo mounted on linen)

 

.332     photo of dining or library table, labeled 7 1/2, size of top 45x45, with reeded legs

 

.333     photo of dining or library table, labeled 6, size of top 48x45, legs trimmed with metal (photo mounted on linen)

 

.334     photo of sideboard with upper shelf and built-in candelabra

 

 

Miscellaneous printed material

 

.335a-b            pages 27-30 from the catalog of the E.H. Mahoney Chair Co., So. Gardiner, Mass., showing towel racks in various styles and woods, prices are given

 

.336     The Pictorial Gallery of Arts, part 1, p. 1-24

            [note: cover is detached]

 

.337     The Art Journal, p. 291-296, no date

 

.338     Art Journal Supplement, No. II, January 1880, one page labeled designs for tiles and the other design for plaque; the tile designs include peacock feathers, water lilies, and Cupid and a nymph in a field of flowers; the plaque design is of corn and swallows

 

.339a   The Builder and Wood-worker, Sept., no year, p. 156 (plate 65 on reverse), the plate shows a house designed by Howard S. Bush, New York City

 

.339b   The Builder and Wood-worker, Sept., no year, p. 168 (plate 71 on reverse), the plate shows different wood turnings, drawn by Edward Dewson(?), 1881

 

.340     The American Architect and Building News, vol. 8, no. 261, December 25, 1880, p. 303-304, with pictures by various artists

 

.341     business card for J. F. Small, designer, most of address is eaten away