An unusual 19th century huntboard made in the South Carolina Backcountry has been added to the furniture collection at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia.
Huntboards, a Scots-Irish traditional form, are similar to sideboards. According to Curator of Art Paul Matheny, “Huntboards, commonly found in the dining room, were used to hold linens, serving dishes and silverware, but were not as formal as a more elaborate sideboard.”
The newly acquired poplar huntboard was made in the 1850s, probably in York County. “This piece retains its original black lacquer finish and the backsplash scrollwork is found in furniture made in the Upstate, particularly in York County. While the craftsman of this unique huntboard is unknown, he obviously was a very skilled craftsman and the Museum is fortunate to have this work in its growing furniture collection,” added Matheny.
The huntboard is currently on view in the Lipscomb Art Gallery along with the current special exhibit The Mark B. Coplan collection of Art at the South Carolina State Museum. It can be seen through March 30, 2008.
Recently acquired by the State Museum, this beautiful 19th-century huntboard is currently on display in the Lipscomb Art Gallery along with the exhibit The Mark B. Coplan Collection of Art at the South Carolina State Museum through March 30, 2008.
Photo courtesy of SC State Museum