DESK-AND-BOOKCASE

Working in Maryland’s capital city of Annapolis, John Shaw was one of many Scottish craftsmen who brought British high style to the southern colonies. Born in Glasgow, Shaw arrived in Maryland in the early 1760s, partnered with fellow Scotsman Archibald Chisholm (w. 1770-1810), and immediately began producing furniture that appealed to his sophisticated Maryland clientele. At the outbreak of the American Revolution, Shaw sided with the patriots and, in 1777, became the official Armorer of the State of Maryland, a position he held until 1819. The neoclassical desk and bookcase in MESDA’s collection reflects Shaw’s patriotic affinities. Made in his shop between 1790 and 1800 of mahogany with tulip poplar and yellow pine, its inlaid decoration includes a patriotic American eagle centered within the arch of the prospect door.