The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         A. & H. Lejambre                                          

Title:               Interior decorating drawings and bills

Dates:             ca. 1870-1890

Call No.:         Col. 858

Acc. No.:        09x123; 12x32.1

Quantity:        39 items

Location:        3 J 13 and map case 2, drawer 8

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

John Peter Alphonse Lejambre initially formed the Philadelphia furniture and decorating firm of A. & H. Lejambre as an upholstery workshop. Alphonse Lejambre was born in Villiers, France, in 1786 and emigrated to American after the Napoleonic Wars. He joined a group of well-known French craftsman operating in Philadelphia. Lejambre began his business by assisting cabinet-ware shop owner Michel Bouvier in the redecoration of Joseph Bonaparte’s home in Bordentown, New Jersey.  It was there that he probably met Anna Rainier, the daughter of John and Deborah Newell Rainier, whom he married on July 7, 1820.

 

Alphonse Lejambre is first listed as an upholsterer in the Philadelphia city directories of 1825. Advertisements from the 1830s suggest that his business had grown to include the selling of parlor and bedroom furniture, carpets and draperies for the home. After the death of Alphonse Lejambre in 1843, his wife Anna Rainier Lejambre ran the firm with the help of their children Elizabeth, Alexis Napoleon, and Cora.  At some point, perhaps in the early 1850s, the firm began to also manufacture its own furniture, rather than just selling furniture made by others. 

 

On April 3, 1865, Anna Lejambre entered into partnership with her son-in-law (and cousin) Henri Lejambre, husband of Cora.  The height of the firm’s success seems to have been in the 1870s.  By 1880, the Lejambres employed over thirty workers in their shop at 1206 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, manufacturing and upholstering fine quality furniture in the popular French taste.  Anna died in 1878, and the firm continued to run under direction of other members of the Lejambre family until about 1907.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Consists of thirty-nine watercolor and pencil large format drawings of window draperies, interiors, and furniture by the furniture making and decorating firms of A. & H. Lejambre and H. Lejambre.  The majority of drawings are color and pencil designs for window curtains and draperies with architectural details for cornices.  Furniture drawings include designs for sideboards, buffets, pier mirrors, and mirror frames.  As well there are drawings of fireplaces, with mantels and over-mantels, paneled walls, and book cases.  All designs include heavy carving in a number of late Victorian and French styles.  Interior views include wallpapers, architectural details of moldings and large display cabinets. Many furniture drawings include both profile and front views.  Measurements and scale are indicated on most drawings.  Three drawings indicate the designer or purchaser of the item depicted. The maker is identified in three techniques: stamped in ink, embossed or inscribed in ink, “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA” or “H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST.”  Two drawings have condition problems, with red staining at corners.

 

As well, the collection contains one bill dated 1837.  Mrs. D. W. Coxe purchased gilt rods, curtain rings, brass hooks, and end ornaments, and paid the firm to install rods and blinds, and hang pictures.  The printed bill head identifies Lejambre as an upholsterer, but also noted that he sold ottoman and parlor furniture, and made bedding and draperies, all in the latest fashion.

 

 

ORGANIZATION

 

The items are arranged in accession number order, grouped by form. Oversize items are housed in a map case.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

 

 

RELATED MATERIALS and PUBLICATIONS

 

See Lejambre file in the Decorative Arts Photographic Collection (DAPC) for photographs and information sheets related to three side chairs, six armchairs, two sofas, a pedestal table, and a sideboard attributed to A. & H. Lejambre.

 

Strickland, Peter. “Furniture by the Lejambre Family of Philadelphia,” The Magazine Antiques XVII, no. 3, March 1978, 600-613.

 

Talbott, Page, “The Philadelphia Furniture Industry, 1850 to 1880,” Ph. D. dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1980.

           

 

PROVENANCE

           

Accession 09x123: Gift of David Doret and Linda Mitchell

Accession 12x32.1: gift of Jonathan Trace.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

                        Lejambre, Anna Rainier, d. 1878.

                        Lejambre, Henri.

                        Lejambre, Alphonse, 1786-1843.

           

Topics:

            H. Lejambre (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Cabinetmaking – Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – 19th century.

Decoration and ornament.

            Draperies - Pictorial works.

            Fireplaces – Designs and plans.

Furniture - Drawings.

Furniture industry and trade – Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – 19th century.

Interior architecture.

Interior decoration.

Mantels – Designs and plans.

Mirrors.

            Upholstered furniture.

            Upholstery trade – Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – 19th century.

            Window shades.

           

            Drawings.

            Sketches.

            Cabinetmakers – Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – 19th century.

                        Upholsterers.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 3 J 13 and map case 2, drawer 8

 

[note: all accession numbers begin with 09x123, unless otherwise noted]

 

 

Box 1

 

Folder 1:          .1         Watercolor of elaborate window treatment with curtains, lace curtains, window valence, cornice, and tiebacks. Inscribed in pen, “A. & H. LeJambre/1206 Walnut St.”

                                    On back: beginning of a drawing

 

.2         Watercolor of ornate window treatment with curtains, lace curtain, carved cornice, valence, tiebacks, and tassels. Inscribed in pen, “A. & H. LeJambre/1206 Walnut St.”

 

.3         Watercolor and pencil drawing of window dressing, including flower box, curtains, tassels, valances, cornice, and curtains covering doors on either side of window. In pencil, “Scale 1 inch to 1 foot.”

 

Folder 2:          .4         Watercolor of window curtains with tassels on three rods, with central curtain over a sofa. Stamped, “A. & H. LEJAMBRE/No. 1206 Walnut Street,/PHILADELPHIA.” Pencil inscription, “Scale 1 inch.”

 

.5         Pencil drawing of window treatment for bay window, includes side curtains with tassels on tie backs and valance.

 

.6         Pencil drawing of window treatment for bay window, includes side curtains with tassels on tie backs and valance. Pencil inscription, “Scale 1 inch to a foot.”

 

Folder 3:          .7         Pencil drawing of window treatment for bay window, includes side curtains with tassels on tie backs and valance; cornice includes an Egyptian head. Signed in pencil “B. H. Moore,” embossed “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.”

                        [possibly Bloomfield H. Moore, a partner in Jessup & Moore, paper manufactory]

 

.8         same as .7 above, but with measurements of window width indicated, and a pencil inscription reading, “Duplicate sent to Paris/to mdme. Moore.”  Embossed at corner “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.”

 

.9         Pencil drawing of window treatment for single window, includes side curtains, printed under-curtains (possibly lace), valance, tiebacks with tassels and cornice. Embossed at corner “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.” Pencil inscription “Mr. B. H. Moore/Portiere 7 ft 8 in/1 window 7 ft 6/1 Porter window 8 ft”

 

Folder 4:          .10       Pencil drawing of window treatment for one window, including Egyptian architectural details for cornice and base molding. Draperies include swagged valance, side curtains and tassels. Embossed at corner “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.” 

 

.11       Pencil drawing of colonnade including draperies between the columns, which have acanthus leaf capitals. Draperies include swagged valance, side curtains and tassels. Embossed at corners and center, “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.” Pencil inscription “Mrs. C G Taitt.”

 

.12       Pencil drawing of window treatment for two windows in a box bay surrounding a mirror. Includes side curtains, printed under-curtains (probably lace), tiebacks, and tassels.  Architectural details include mirror frame and cornice. Embossed at top center, “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.”

 

Folder 5:          .13       variation of .12 above: pencil drawing of window treatment for two windows in a box bay surrounding a mirror. Includes side curtains, printed under-curtains, tiebacks, and swagged tassel valance.  Architectural details include mirror frame, cornice and base molding. Embossed at top center, “A.H. LEJAMBRE//FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.”

 

.14       Pencil drawing (incomplete) of window treatment for two windows on either side of a mirror. Includes side curtains, valances, tiebacks and tassels. Architectural details include elaborate cornice, mirror frame and base molding.

 

.15       Pencil drawing of ornate window treatment for one window including a striped textile for curtain, ball fringe, tiebacks, tassels and swagged valance. Architectural details include elaborate cornice and base molding. Ink inscription in corner, “A&H Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.”

 

Folder 6:          .17       Pencil drawing of window treatment for one window including curtains with fringe, gathered valance and tie backs. Architectural details include window frame with carved corner brackets.  (The setting resembles a small stage.)  Stamped at center and top “H. LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADELPHIA.”

 

.18       Watercolor of interior wall.  Architecture includes two cabinets flanking central fireplace with over-mantel mirror in elaborately carved frame.  Mantel carved with stylized floral motifs. Cabinets in three tiers- upper section with five shelve and glass doors; middle section with drawers; lower section of two doors. Inscribed in ink, “A & H Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.”

On back: partial sketch of side view of a cabinet, with a bust on top

 

.19       Watercolor of interior wall.  Architecture includes two cabinets flanking central fireplace with over-mantel mirror in elaborately carved frame.  Mantel and cabinets carved with stylized floral motifs. Cabinets have two tiers- upper section with five shelves and glass doors; lower section of two doors over drawers. Inscribed in ink, “A & H Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.” in two locations. Includes dimensions of glass for mirror and doors.  Also includes pencil sketch of floor plan of the unit.

 

Folder 7:          .20       Watercolor of interior wall. Architecture includes bookshelf with glass doors and shelves with mirrored backs on left side, with mantel and over-mantel shelving on right side.  Floral tiles surround fireplace. Mantel includes carvings of owl, squirrel, bird, and leaves. Shelving supported with stylized columns.  Pieces of pottery or porcelain shown on display shelves.  Stamped “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.”  Scale of 1 ¼” to a foot. Includes measurements of mirror and bookcase doors. Pencil inscription “219/20/ Mantel & Top./221/ Book Case.”

 

.21       Watercolor of mirror flanked by shelving units with ornate carving, including stylized floral motifs and griffins. Profile and front view of unit, shown against a papered wall.  Includes measurements. Drawn in scale of 1 ¼ in to a foot.  Ink inscription “A & H LeJambre/1206 Walnut St”

 

.22       Watercolor of depicting hall chair with upholstered seat coordinated with a large mirrored table with shelf and drawer. Table has floral and acanthus leaf carving. Profile and front view of table unit shown. Wallpapered wall. Includes measurements. Drawing in scale of 1 ¼ inch to a foot.

 

Folder 8:          .23       Watercolor depicting hall chair with upholstered seat and back coordinated with a large mirrored table with shelf and drawer. Table has stylized floral and leaf carving. Profile and front view of table unit. Wallpapered wall. Includes measurements. Drawing in scale of 1 ¼ inch to a foot. Red staining on drawing.

 

.24       Pencil drawing of wall cabinet with glass doors and six shelves. Stylized carving of columns. Includes dimensions, and price of $275. Inscribed in ink, “A & H Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.”

 

.26       Pencil drawing of carving for a three-paneled wall mirror. Includes measurements. Drawn in scale of 1 inch to a foot. Embossed twice at top, “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.” Small red staining and water staining at corners.

 

Folder 9:          .29       Pencil drawing of fireplace mantel and over-mantel which includes mirror.  Tiled fire surround with carved mantel of stylized columns and floral motifs.  Includes architectural details for cornice and base molding.  Drawing in scale 1 inch ¼ to a foot.

 

.30       Pencil and wash drawing of fireplace mantel and carved over-mantel.  Heavy carving of lions and floral motifs. Sketch in profile of lion and mantel. Measurements and scale included.  Initialed HB.

 

.31       Pencil drawing of architectural details for mantel and fireplace surround.  Indicates location to hang pictures. Over-mantel mirror with carved frame and mantel with stylized columns.  Includes measurements. Drawn in 1 1/8 inch scale.

 

Folder 10:        .32       Pen and pencil drawing of over-mantel mirror and fireplace surround. Includes floral carving. Floor plan indicated. Includes measurements. Drawn in scale of 1 inch to 1 foot.  Embossed “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.”

 

.33       Pencil drawing of over-mantel mirror and fireplace surround, similar to .32. Includes floral carving. Drawn in profile and front view, and includes floor plan and measurements. Drawn in scale of 1 inch to 1 foot. Embossed “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.”   Drawing initialed EH[illegible initial]  and dated /71

 

.34       Pencil drawing for buffet, as indicated by ink inscription. Highly elaborate carving, including central cartouche with a fox hunting ducks and stylized urn and floral carvings. Includes floor plan. Inscribed and dated, presumably by designer, “Edgar Klemroch 1870.” Includes scale, 1 inch to 1 foot.  Embossed “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.”

 

 

Folder 11:        .35       Pencil drawing for sideboard of three tiers: upper tier glassed door shelving, central tier open shelving and lower tier four doors with floral carving. Top bracket includes carving of fish; corner braces and acanthus leaf columns. Includes front view, side view and floor plan. Includes measurements. Drawn in scale of 1 inch (the “s” in the word scale includes a lion’s head.)  Stamped twice in black ink, “H. LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADELPHIA.”

 

.38       Pencil drawing of large pier table with attached mirror. Includes carved, stylized leaves and finials. Indicates measurements for mirror.  Includes front and top view of pier table. Drawn in scale 1 inch to a foot. Embossed at top corners and bottom center, “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.” Ink inscription, “Approved G Jellou” (? name not clear).

 

.39       Pencil drawing of bed frame with elaborate stylized leaf and floral carving, and including a head.  Embossed at top corner, “A & H LEJAMBRE/1206 WALNUT ST/PHILADELPHIA.”

 

Folder 12:

           

            12x32.1           receipted bill, Mrs. D. W. Coxe paid Alphonse Lejambre for gilt rods, curtain rings, brass hooks, and end ornaments, and paid the firm to install rods and blinds, and hang pictures; Nov. 17-23, 1837. 

On printed bill head, which identifies Lejambre as an upholsterer, but also noted that he sold ottoman and parlor furniture, and made bedding and draperies, all in the latest fashion.

 

 

 

Oversize folder 1:

 

.16       Pencil drawing of elaborate curtains for three windows forming a bay. Includes side curtains, lace curtains, swagged valances, large tassels and a carved cornice.  Measurements included. Inscribed in ink “A. H. Lajambre/1206 Walnut St.” and “contracted(?) for this the “9th April 1881, C.J. Harrah.”

 

.25       Pencil drawing of carved architectural features for wall, possibly a mirrored wall.  Includes measurements and scale 1 inch to a foot (written in ink and pencil). Embossed at top corners “A. H. LEJAMBRE/FURNITURE WAREHOUSE/1206 WALNUT ST./PHILADA.”

 

.27       Pencil drawing of architectural features for wall, labeled plan 1. Includes paneling and wainscot for walls, fireplace mantel and over-mantel with shelves and mirror. Includes measurements and scale of 1 1/8” to a foot. Inscribed in pencil “Mantel of Walnut complete +150.00/ Wainscot per foot $6.00” at upper left corner. Inscribed in ink “A & H. Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.”

            On back: rough sketch with measurements.

 

Oversize folder 2:

 

.28       Pencil drawing of architectural features for wall, labeled plan 2. Includes paneling and wainscot for walls, fireplace mantel and overmantel with shelves and mirror. Includes measurements and scale of 1 1/8” to a foot. Inscribed in pencil “Walnut mantel $165.00/ Walnut Wainscot per foot +8.00.”  Inscribed in ink “A & H Lejambre/1206 Walnut St.”

 

.36       Pencil drawing of looking glass over sofa.  Mirror frame includes carved head. Set for beveled glass in mirror.  Upholstered sofa beneath looking glass includes classical carving and a head.  Inscribed in ink “A. H. Lejambre/1206 Walnut.”

 

.37       Pencil drawing of looking glass over sofa with pair of candelabras on either side of beveled glass mirror. Sofa beneath mirror includes foxes carved as arm rests.  Tufted upholstery with tassels; sections of upholstery labeled in pencil “velour.” Carved sections include heads.  Inscribed “A & H Le Jambre/1206 Walnut St./May 3rd 1879.”