Help Conserve a Remarkable Artifact
Donation protected
Carved chest attributed to Rose Standish Nichols, early twentieth century. Mahogany and cedar, 30 x 50 x 21.5 in.
Through the generosity of the extended Nichols-Shurcliff family, the Nichols House Museum has acquired a mahogany chest thought to have been carved by Rose Standish Nichols. This chest is not only an extraordinary example of Rose Nichols’ artistry and talent, but also a clear indicator of the important role women played in both the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Colonial Revival. The chest’s florid carvings, skillfully executed by Nichols, are inspired by the designs of the seventeenth century joiners William Searle and his successor, Thomas Dennis of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
While the chest is in good condition overall, it requires the attention of a conservator before it can be put on permanent view in the museum. Once conserved, the chest will become a highlight of the Nichols House Museum collection and open a door to new and exciting curatorial and interpretive possibilities.
Conservation will include cleaning the surfaces followed by treatments aimed at stabilizing the wood and improving the overall appearance of the chest.
Project/conservation cost: $1400
To date the Museum has raised $550 for this project. The Museum is seeking the additional $850 in order to cover the full cost of conservation. Any additional funds raised beyond the project cost will be put toward the Museum's ongoing conservation program.
"This blanket chest with 17th-century style decoration, believed to have been carved by Rose Nichols herself, is an important addition to the Nichols House Museum collection. Not only does it illustrate Rose’s surprising skill, but it highlights early 20th-century Boston’s focus on historic styles and interest in reviving handcraftsmanship."
- Nonie Gadsden, Collections Committee Co-Chair, Nichols House Museum, and Katherine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
"The chest is structurally in very good condition but the surface overall is slightly uneven with areas of light damage, light staining from mold and water, and grime. There would be a significant improvement to the carved wood surface by cleaning and treatment by a furniture conservator."
- Julie Solz, Governor, Nichols House Museum, and Team Leader, Collection Services, Historic New England.
"The Museum is thrilled to receive a donation of this beautiful blanket chest that according to Nichols family oral tradition, was carved by Rose Standish Nichols. It will enhance our overall interpretation, in particular, through providing a vivid example of Rose's artistry and the historical influences surrounding her creative work."
- Linda Marshall, Executive Director, Nichols House Museum.
Through the generosity of the extended Nichols-Shurcliff family, the Nichols House Museum has acquired a mahogany chest thought to have been carved by Rose Standish Nichols. This chest is not only an extraordinary example of Rose Nichols’ artistry and talent, but also a clear indicator of the important role women played in both the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Colonial Revival. The chest’s florid carvings, skillfully executed by Nichols, are inspired by the designs of the seventeenth century joiners William Searle and his successor, Thomas Dennis of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
While the chest is in good condition overall, it requires the attention of a conservator before it can be put on permanent view in the museum. Once conserved, the chest will become a highlight of the Nichols House Museum collection and open a door to new and exciting curatorial and interpretive possibilities.
Conservation will include cleaning the surfaces followed by treatments aimed at stabilizing the wood and improving the overall appearance of the chest.
Project/conservation cost: $1400
To date the Museum has raised $550 for this project. The Museum is seeking the additional $850 in order to cover the full cost of conservation. Any additional funds raised beyond the project cost will be put toward the Museum's ongoing conservation program.
"This blanket chest with 17th-century style decoration, believed to have been carved by Rose Nichols herself, is an important addition to the Nichols House Museum collection. Not only does it illustrate Rose’s surprising skill, but it highlights early 20th-century Boston’s focus on historic styles and interest in reviving handcraftsmanship."
- Nonie Gadsden, Collections Committee Co-Chair, Nichols House Museum, and Katherine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
"The chest is structurally in very good condition but the surface overall is slightly uneven with areas of light damage, light staining from mold and water, and grime. There would be a significant improvement to the carved wood surface by cleaning and treatment by a furniture conservator."
- Julie Solz, Governor, Nichols House Museum, and Team Leader, Collection Services, Historic New England.
"The Museum is thrilled to receive a donation of this beautiful blanket chest that according to Nichols family oral tradition, was carved by Rose Standish Nichols. It will enhance our overall interpretation, in particular, through providing a vivid example of Rose's artistry and the historical influences surrounding her creative work."
- Linda Marshall, Executive Director, Nichols House Museum.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nichols House Museum
Organizer
Boston, MA
Linda Marshall
Beneficiary