Sideboard
Mahogany and Mahogany Veneers
Light wood inlays
Baltimore, Maryland
Shop of William Bankson and Richard Lawson
1785-1792
71″ W 26.5″ D 38.5″ H
The astonishing pace of the growth of the city of Baltimore in the years after the Revolution was due to the jump in export activities, which grew from $2M in 1790 to $16M in 1800. A growing merchant class furnished their homes according to their increased prosperity, calling upon the city’s cabinetmakers to supply them with fashionable goods. The largest and most important shop in Baltimore during these years was that of John Bankson originally from Philadelphia, and Richard Lawson of Yorkshire, England. It began in 1785 and continued until in 1792. Their shop was instrumental in defining and establishing the neoclassical style in Baltimore with their interpretation of the new style, high quality of workmanship and use of intricate decorative inlays. They supplied furnishings not only for Baltimore and its environs but also placed advertisements in the Charleston, S.C. paper advertising where many of their fashionable goods were shipped.
