Breakfast Table
Breakfast Table
James Woodward (1769–1839) and Shop
Norfolk, Virginia
1819
Mahogany, poplar, white pine, sycamore
HOA: 27 5/8”, WOA: 50 ¾”, DOA: 38″
MESDA Purchase Fund (3813)
In 1818, James Woodward, a Norfolk, Virginia cabinetmaker, loaned an enslaved craftsmen named James $120 to purchase his freedom. In return, James promised “for 12 months next ensuing… he shall… work as a Journeyman Cabinetmaker… until the full value… shall be repaid to him.” The following year Humberston Skipwith of Elm Hill, Mecklenburg County, Virginia purchased a “large Pillow (pillar) & claw Breakfast Table” – now in the MESDA collection – from Woodward’s shop for $45. While we can never be certain if James worked on this table, it was through the construction of furniture like this table that James was able to achieve his freedom.
Learn more about this table in MESDA’s online collection catalog.
