Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Seking Collectors/Dealers of Joseph Short Furniture Makers of Newburyport Massachusetts

Looking for collectors of Short furniture made in Newbury MA and North Shore area. Signed or labeled furniture made by the Short family of cabinetmakers from Newbury Massachusetts and Newburyport Massachusetts is being sought for a research article by independent scholar Gary R. Sullivan and historian Melissa Berry, working in association with Short Family descendent Laurie Short Jarvis.
Newburyport, Massachusetts cabinetmaker, Joseph Short (1771-1819) is the best-known member of this 18th- and early 19th-century family of woodworkers. A large body of work is associated with him, including several signed and labeled pieces of furniture. A large number of cabriole-leg candle stands with a unique foot, lolling chairs with set-back arm supports and games tables with diamond inlay are also attributed to Joseph Short based on their similarity to the labeled examples.
Any individual or institution in possession of a labeled or documented piece of Short Family furniture is encouraged to contact Melissa Berry at 603-793-5984 or melissadavenportberry@gmail.com.





This complex dressing box with fitted interior is dated 1694 and was made as an acknowledgment of the wedding of Henry and Anne Short of Newbury, Massachusetts. Interesting features include a looking glass, secret drawer locks and a hidden drawer.



 
 A FEDERAL MAHOGANY SECRETARY BOOKCASE
Possibly Joseph Short (1771-1819), Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1810-1820
In two parts: the upper with rectangular top surmounted by a broken swan's-neck pediment centering a fluted plinth flanked by four fluted plinths above a conforming case with glazed doors with gothic arched mullions, opening to reveal a shelved interior; the lower conforming case with hinged writing flap over three graduated long drawers, on ring-turned and tapering lotus carved feet, appears to retain its original brasses

David C. Garcelon Seeking any information on Short family connection with Instrument Makers. 

More Short Info click links
DAR New England Chapters & Descendants of Moses Short Newbury MA Members
Short Family
Carolyn Heard Peatfield-Short Newbury MA
George "Jonah" Granville Short of Newburyport
  • Short, Charles, cabinetmaker, 1792 - , Newburyport, MA.
  • Short, Joseph, carpenter, cabinetmaker, 1771 - 1819, Newburyport, MA.
  • Isaac Short furniture
  • Moses Short nautical instruments
  • Sewall Short cabinets
  • George Short furniture
  • Cornelius Short 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi,
My name is Marc Cendron. I live in Newburyport and have beem collecting Newburyport items. I have two labelled pieces of furniture by Joseph Short. The Historical Society of Old Newbury also has several pieces two are labelled.
Feel free to contact me at marc.cendron@tch.harvard.edu
I wish you all the best on your very worthwhile endeavour tracking down the Short family and their works.

Melissa Davenport Berry said...

Thanks Marc Sent you an e-mail

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