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Louisiana History Galleries
Furnishing Louisiana: 1735–1835
Household objects, global perspectives.
February 24– June 17, 2012
533 Royal St.
Free and open to the public
Generously sponsored by Halpern’s Furnishing Store
From the ports of the Caribbean up the twisting Mississippi to French Canada, this groundbreaking exhibition traces the emergence of the distinctive craftsmanship of Creole America—what the New York Times called “a signature Louisiana style.” More than fifty pieces of furniture, from nearly two dozen collections, are on display, along with tools, hardware, wood samples and interactive components designed to bring early Louisiana furniture-making to life.
This exhibition complements The Historic New Orleans Collection’s recent publication Furnishing Louisiana: Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735–1835, available for purchase at www.hnoc.org and major online retailers.
The Collection will present four events in conjunction with this exhibition. Reservations are recommended and may be made by emailing wrc@hnoc.org or calling (504) 523-4662.
Lecture: Historic Finishes
Friday, April 20 • 6–8 p.m.
Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.
Free; reservations suggested
Salt Lake City–based conservator Stephen Shepherd will discuss finishes used on historic furniture. He appears in costume to demonstrate the wardrobe and techniques of a 19th-century craftsman.
Demonstration: Seat Treatments
Saturday, May 12 • 9 a.m.–noon
533 Royal St.
Free; reservations suggested
New Orleanian Mary Cooper will demonstrate different techniques used in crafting the seating surfaces on traditional Louisiana chairs—caning, corn shuck/rush, split oak and cotton tape.
Site Visit: LSU Rural Life Museum
Saturday, May 19 • Full day
$60/person (round-trip bus departs New Orleans 8:30 a.m.)
$30/person (drive yourself)
The LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge, with more than 30 historic buildings on site, is the perfect place to observe the technology and architectural settings associated with the production and use of early Louisiana furniture. Following a tour, museum director David Floyd will address the group over a jambalaya lunch.
Workshop: Bench Making
Saturday, June 2 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
533 Royal St.
$130 (includes all materials) • Limited to 12 participants (SOLD OUT)
Louisiana craftsman Greg Arceneaux will lead participants through the steps involved in building a small traditional bench.