Revolving StandArtist/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

References

  1. ^ Charles L. Granquist, Jr., Cabinet Making at Monticello (MA thesis, State University of New York College at Oneonta, 1977), 14.