1812

Bishop’s Chair

Richard Alexander

American, 1780 - 1823

The considerable size of this chair suggests that it was a seat of authority—and the finial in the shape of a miter (traditional bishop’s headwear), the arm supports carved as cherubim (young angels), and the red upholstery indicate its purpose as a seat for a bishop. Made for Saint James Episcopal Church, this chair follows a design from a pattern book by English cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite that was used for two earlier bishop’s chairs made for Philadelphia’s two other Episcopal churches.

The chair was made in the shop of Philadelphia cabinetmaker Richard Alexander, who employed many skilled artisans, including a free Black woman. His shop label was affixed to the chair, removed in 1924, and reunited with the chair in 2018. Alexander rented his shop space from the priest who this chair was intended for—Episcopal Bishop William White.