Duncan Phyfe 1780-1847

Origin
America in the eighteenth century was a land of opportunity. The United States had become a free and democratic society who welcomed immigrants from all of Europe with the promise of starting a new way of life and economic opportunities. Towns and cities were growing and more homes were being built, creating a demand for new and affordable home furnishings. The immigrants who arrived brought with them a wealth of skills and trades. One of these was Duncan Phyfe, who arrived in America in1785 from Scotland. After serving an apprenticeship with a cabinetmaker, Phyfe started his own furniture making business in New York. He studied the pattern books and designs of Sheraton, and adapted the neo classical style, which was so popular during the Federal Period. Phyfe's most important contribution was his ability to interpret the prevailing taste of the time, and adapt it to become a distinctively American style. By the 1790's Duncan Phyfe had become one of America's leading cabinetmakers.

Common Features
Duncan Phyfe style furniture has excellent proportions, elegant lines and simple restrained decoration. Pieces are exquisitely constructed of the finest mahogany and rely on the figure of the wood rather than carving for decoration. The most distinctive attributes of Duncan Phyfe style pieces is the lyre shape, which appears on chair backs and pedestal supports, and the tripod table. All pieces feature excellently crafted joinery and careful integration of curves with straight lines. Popular motifs include foliage, ribbons and bow, pillar and scroll, and the American eagle

Articles of Furniture
Duncan Phyfe style pieces include tables, chairs, casework and bedroom furniture. Chair backs are low and are distinguished by splat backs in the shape of a lyre. Legs are both curved and straight, generally rest on turned wood or brass paw feet.and are reeded and fluted. Phyfe's innovative treatment of the carule chair places the crossed legs at the sides, rather than the traditional placement in front and back. Tables feature pedestal supports and splayed legs. Legs are reeded and fluted, pedestals feature columns and lyre shapes. Drop leaf tables rest on pedestal or splayed legs. Decoration relies on figure of the wood and delicate moldings. Sofas have out-turned arms and backs, with outward scrolling legs. Back panels and seats are upholstered, and arms are either upholstered or carved in lyre shapes. Upholstery includes needlework, velvet, brocade, damask and satin. Beds feature tall, slender tapering posts with reeding and fluting. Case pieces feature brass handles and mounts, butterfly, H-L and H hinges, and china and glass knobs. Nearly all Duncan Phyfe pieces are made of mahogany.

Complimentary Styles
Duncan Phyfe style pieces are complimented by Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Empire style furniture.

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