Kentucky Library and Museum Online -- Kentucky Museum Furniture Collection

Furniture

The furniture collection numbers in excess of 130 pieces and includes examples of Queen Anne, Chippendale, Federal, Empire, Late American Empire, Shaker, Eastlake and rustic furniture. It also features pieces in the Gothic, Rococo, and Renaissance Revival style. The Cornett Rocker is perhaps the most unique piece in the collection.

The C. Ray Franklin Collection is also noteworthy. A double chair-back settee, circa 1760- 1780, Philadelphia Chippendale tea table, circa 1760 1775, set of twelve Hepplewhite side and arm chairs, circa 1790-1800, and collapsible Sheraton dining table, circa 1810-1815 are of particular interest.

The collection includes nine examples of Shaker furniture, most notably two candle stands or tripod tables, a sewing desk and two chests of drawers. These pieces were constructed in the more worldly fashion generally characteristic of pieces made in Western Shaker villages.

Objects are available for researchers subject to museum policies and procedures. For more information contact the Museum Registrar/Collections Curator (Phone: 270-745-2592 )or write The Kentucky Museum, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576. Prior appointment is required.

Objects featured on this web page may not be on exhibit. To learn more about what is currently on display, link to our exhibit pages.