JAMES W. CARR, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA CAST-IRON PAIR OF GARDEN ARMCHAIRS, fern pattern, cast in four sections, each arched back transitioning to rolled arms, above a scroll-pierced seat, raised on saber-like legs with fern design repeated to ends. Not marked for Carr, however each are embossed "314" under the seat and to reverse of lower back, in the manner of signed Carr benches (see lots 2276 and 2277 in the present auction). The foundry of James W. Carr, Richmond, VA. Fourth quarter 19th century. 29 1/2" HOA, 13 1/2" x 17 1/2" seat.
Provenance: From an important Virginia private collection.
Purchased in the Richmond, VA area.
Catalogue Note: Despite the present chairs being unsigned, their recovery history and embossed numbering directly corresponding with signed Carr benches leaves little doubt they were made by the same firm.
James Wilson Carr (1847-1924) worked in the foundry business in Richmond, VA for all of his life. He was the son of Robert Provo Carr (1820-1861) and Mary Anne Carr (1824-1867) of Richmond. By 1870 James was working as a mould maker, likely using skills he learned from his carpenter father. The 1880 US Census lists James as "Works in Iron W[orks]", most likely at the famed Tredegar Ironworks. The first record located of Carr owning his own firm is an advertisement in the March 13, 1886 "Richmond Labor Harold" for "James W. Carr, Iron and Brass Founder, 1511 East Cary St., Richmond, Va.", which announces his production of "Fronts, Grates, Fenders, Andirons, Hydrant Traps, Sinks, Iron and Brass Casting, Ventilators, &c. Plow Castings a Specialty." The listing for Carr's foundry in the 1891 Richmond City Directory notes his address as 1420 Cary St. and indicates that he has added "Iron Mantels" to his list of products. His firm is listed at 7 N. 25th Street in the 1912 issue of the City Directory. James announced his retirement in the May 12, 1913 issue of the "Richmond Times Dispatch" and noted that his son Frederick Clifton Carr (1874-1941) "who has been associated with me in the business, will continue the same under the old firm name." The last record found of the Carr Foundry is in the 1931 Richmond City Directory at the same 25th Street address.
The James Carr firm is noted for producing a number of marked, highly decorative garden furnishings and ornaments like the settees in the present lot. An article in the November 17, 1907 issue of the "Richmond Times Dispatch" offers the only reference located so far to this decorative line. It reports that Carr has purchased a large lot on 25th Street between Main and Franklin Streets in order to expand his foundry. It goes on to say, "Mr. Carr began the manufacture some years ago in a modest way in this city of iron settees, vases, weather vanes and ornamental iron and brass work..." The article goes on to note other production including "iron fencing". These decorative articles were most likely produced when he was at his first Cary Street location. Research on this firm ongoing.
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Very good visual condition, one with well-done repair to proper left arm and repainted, other with minor break to fern stem above seat, possibly as made.