This imposing chest-on-chest was made in New London County, Connecticut, between 1760 and 1790.  Large, elaborately carved chests like this one were expensive.  Owners often liked to show them off by placing them in the parlor (rather than a bedroom), where they could be seen and appreciated.  Though the chest was intended to impress, its more practical purpose was to hold the family’s best textiles.  Making cloth and sewing clothing was a labor-intensive process in the 18th century.  Household textiles like bedding and the family’s clothing were prized--and costly--possessions.  Wealthy families, like owners of this chest, would have had servants in the household.  Just in case any servants turned out to be untrustworthy, the drawers on these chests lock to eliminate any chance of theft. 

A look into the chest’s open drawers reveals the type of textiles likely to be stored in such an important chest.  In the bottom drawer is an elaborately embroidered bed hanging and a whole-cloth quilt.  The middle drawer contains a child’s dress and a woman’s red woolen cloak.  The top drawer holds a gentleman’s silk waistcoat and a lady’s petticoat made of fine, imported English brocade fabric. 

This chest was made in 1801 in Hardy County, Virginia (now part of West Virginia) by Godfrey Wilkin for his son, Jacob.  Godfrey Wilkin must have been pleased with his handiwork, as the text on the right and left sides reads “Wel Don” [sic].

Storage space in most middle-class households was minimal by our standards, making chests like this a necessity for the family’s storage needs.   Sometimes known as a blanket chest, this chest’s drawers and lid may be locked, assuring the family that their possessions were safely stored.