Property from the Collection of HARRY A. BATTEN (1897-1966) Harry A. Batten was an internationally respected advertising executive and a Philadelphia community leader. He started his career with N.W. Ayer and Son as a teenage "printer's devil" and worked his way up to become president of the company in 1936. His appreciation of the city's colonial heritage resulted in a lifelong effort to revitalize Philadelphia's rundown historic district. He was a founder of the Greater Philadelphia Movement, chairman of the Stadium Report Committee and the primary force behind the Philadelphia Food Distribution Center and University City. He was particularly proud of his work as official, unpaid financial advisor to the nation's astronauts. He held their powers of attorney and negotiated for the sale of their stories. When he had a fatal heart attack, during a meeting of the Committee for Historical Homes, The Philadelphia Bulletin wrote: "This was a man who came as close as any human being to being irreplaceable." The Philadelphia Inquirer stated: "His life proved beyond any appeal that one man -- wise, talented, determined -- can make history." His interest and the collecting of early American furniture began around 1930. With the help of his friend and advisor Thomas Curran, he formed a truly impressive collection. Twenty-five of the most important and cherished pieces from his collection are now being sold by his daughter, Jane.

A CHIPPENDALE CARVED MAHOGANY POLESCREEN

PHILADELPHIA, 1760-1780

Details

A CHIPPENDALE CARVED MAHOGANY POLESCREEN
philadelphia, 1760-1780
The rectangular frame enclosing a wool-on-linen needlework sliding frame above a ring-turned and compressed ball support, on a tripartite base with cabriole legs and ball-and-claw feet, (19th century needlework)
52½in. high

Lot Essay

The fireplace was an architectural, decorative and social focal point of most 18th century homes. Polescreens enabled the sitter closest to the fire to be shielded from the heat and allow them to read, or sew without the distraction of the flickering of flames. The adjustable screen was usually fitted with a piece of needlework worked by an accomplished daughter of the household.

With turned pillar, compressed ball, and ball and claw feet, this pole screen exhibits all of the quintessential characteristics of early Chippendale Philadelphia furnishings. Made from the same principle as round tea tables, polescreens consist of a single turned pedestal supported by a tripartite base. Like other tripod furniture, polescreens could be purchased with carving for an additional cost.

A similar example is illustrated in Horner, Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture (Washington, D.C., 1935, rpt. 1977) plate 144.