Monticello Joinery (John Hemings) Siesta Chair

“while too weak to sit up the whole day, and afraid to increase the weakness by lying down, I long for a siesta chair which would have admitted the medium position. I must therefore pray you to send by Henry the one made by Johnny Hemings.”

Thomas Jefferson in a letter to his daughter Martha, 1819

A Campeche variant rocking chair (siesta chair) highly attributable to John Hemings 1815-1819. Construction methods and stylistic elements are consistent with those utilized in the Monticello Joinery. Of particular note are through-tenoned joints where the arms meet the rear stiles. Jefferson had a documented preference for the Campeche chair, of which this chair is derived. Considering Jefferson’s deteriorating physical condition, the ease of use of a medium height rocking chair would have been ideal. This chair has been referred to as the “chicle chair”, as an original, period piece of chicle remains stuck to the underside of one of the seat rails.

Measures 41” H X 25 1/2” W X 31” D
Unrestored condition: original surface, partial remains of original leather (including deckle edging), original brass tacks, various cracks, reinforced crest (old repair) 
White ash