Desk and Bookcase, 1797

John Shaw (1745-1829)

Mahogany and mahogany veneer/tulip polar, yellow pine, white oak; light, dark, and stained inlays; glass, baize, brass

This mahogany bookcase and desk set dates to 1797. Tax records from the year prior show that John Shaw paid taxes for six enslaved individuals in his household. By 1800, this increased to seven enslaved people. Although we do not know if any of these individuals worked on this specific piece, Shaw’s use of free and enslaved laborers in his shop enabled his craftsmanship.