Borne
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Gideon Welles
(American, 1802 - 1878)
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1855-1865
MediumVarious woods, metal hardware, silk and cotton fabric, and various upholstery materials including metal springs and horsehair
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x diameter): 38 1/8 x 64 1/2in. (96.8 x 163.8cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineBequest of Elizabeth D. Welling
Object number1977.25.3
DescriptionUpholstered borne, or circular sofa. The borne has a cylindrical, hollow backrest in the center that tapers slightly from the bottom to the top. The backrest has an upholstered, circular cap. The sofa surrounding the backrest is divided into six seats by low armrests. The borne is constructed in two halves; each half has four armrests, so there are two armrests between the seats where the two halves meet. There are eight short, wooden legs on each half of the borne; each leg has a castor at the bottom.
Upholstery: The original upholstery of the borne is a polychrome floral silk brocade, with elaborate trim all over and tassels circling the bottom. Only remnants of the original silk upholstery remain; a plain-woven, cream-colored fabric that was once beneath the silk is visible over much of the borne. The upholstery is supported by metal springs, horsehair, and other materials.
Design and Construction Details: The original upholstery obscures the structure of the wood and the (possibly) metal frame beneath. The two sides of the borne are held together with a pair of small metal hooks at the inside edges of the backrest cylinder. Each half of the inside of the cylinder has a pair of metal supports, in the shape of an inverted "L". These were possibly used to support the cap.
NotesUse Note: A borne is a type of sofa, oval or round, with an upholstered pillar-like back in the center of the seat. It is intended to stand in the center of the room. (Hunt 11/18/2005)Upholstery: The original upholstery of the borne is a polychrome floral silk brocade, with elaborate trim all over and tassels circling the bottom. Only remnants of the original silk upholstery remain; a plain-woven, cream-colored fabric that was once beneath the silk is visible over much of the borne. The upholstery is supported by metal springs, horsehair, and other materials.
Design and Construction Details: The original upholstery obscures the structure of the wood and the (possibly) metal frame beneath. The two sides of the borne are held together with a pair of small metal hooks at the inside edges of the backrest cylinder. Each half of the inside of the cylinder has a pair of metal supports, in the shape of an inverted "L". These were possibly used to support the cap.
Status
Not on view
