Reproduction Revolving Stand
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Artist/Maker: Unspecified
Created: c. 1810
Origin/Purchase: Monticello joinery
Materials: walnut
Dimensions: 50.2 × 67 × 67 (19 3/4 × 26 3/8 × 26 3/8 in.)
Location: Cabinet
Provenance: Thomas Jefferson; by descent to Thomas Jefferson Randolph; by descent to Mrs. Hollins N. Randolph; by purchase to Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 1938
Accession Number: 1938-20
Historical Notes: This revolving stand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to Jefferson's design and specifications in the Joiner's Shop on Mulberry Row. As many as five books or letters could be placed on it at a time. Jefferson may have conveniently placed it next to his chair in his reading-and-writing arrangement in the Cabinet. It is one of three known "revolving" works made in the joinery; the other two are tables.
Constructed of solid walnut, the cube-shaped stand has five adjustable rests for holding books or letters; it has one rest on the top and one on each of the four sides. The rests can be folded down to form a cube. A central pole enables the bookstand to rotate at the bottom. A hole in the bottom suggests the possibility that the bookstand originally was supported by a tripod base.[1]
- Text from Stein, Worlds, 290
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