Linen Press

c.1790-1810

From the middle of the 18th century until the early 19th century, the linen press was the primary furniture form used for the storage of linens and textiles in Charleston. This piece exhibits constructions techniques and the broad, masculine proportions of the Anglo-Germanic mode popular in Charleston during the two decades preceding the Revolution. It also reveals, however, the stylistic influence of Salem, Massachusetts, which replaced London as the source of fashion after the end of the Revolutionary War.

While displaying Salem characteristics, microanalysis of the wood revealed the presence of cypress, which is indigenous to the Charleston area and not found growing north of Virginia. This fact, combined with the use of typical Charleston decorative motifs, supports a Charleston attribution.

Although no documentary evidence has yet been discovered, the linen press was likely purchased by Dr. Charles Drayton during his extensive renovations and remodeling of the house in the early 19th century. It was at this time that the original Georgian mantels were replaced by the Federal examples that are in the house today. The press likely would have resided in an upstairs bedchamber where the mistress of the house, Mary Middleton Drayton, would have had easy and secure access to her bed and table linens — valuable commodities during the Federal period.