Furniture, Lighting, & Textiles

The furniture in the collections range from the 16th to the 20th century and include examples of British, American, and Continental origin. Among the highlights are an eighteenth-century Philadelphia high chest, an elaborate French orbital clock by Jean Baptiste Baillon, and a massive sixteenth-century refectory table. Although many pieces are associated with known makers, this is an area in the collections that requires further research.

The period sconces and chandeliers that illuminate the Rosenbach were conserved in 2002-2003 during the museum’s restoration and expansion project. These fixtures range in period from the early 19th to the early 20th century. They originally provided light from candles, gas, and electricity, and are fashioned of crystal and a variety of plated and alloyed metals. Portable lighting devices are also represented in the collections, from Argand lamps to a ruby glass candelabra, to candlesticks in a range of media.

The textiles in the collection include Rosenbach family table linens–most dating to the 19th century-which are changed regularly along with place settings in the museum’s dining room. Tapestries; needlework that appears in the form of pillows, furniture upholstery, and screens; as well as clothing that is contained, for the most part, in the Marianne Moore collection, are also included in this medium.