On his return, Eliphalet Chapin integrated components of Philadelphia furniture design into his work, including carved decorative shells, elaborate chair splats (backs), claw-and-ball feet, rounded rear (stump) legs (particularly on chairs), and the omission of stretchers between chair legs. Using local resources available to him and adapting to the tastes of Connecticut buyers, Chapin’s furniture departed in some ways from Philadelphia styles. Rather than the rich mahogany wood favored by the craftsmen of Philadelphia, Chapin’s furniture was made from local cherry and pine. Chapin’s use of ornamentation was subdued in comparison to that employed by Philadelphia craftsmen; however, it was still more than most Connecticut furniture-makers were using.

   The Chapin style spread throughout the region, partly though Chapin’s many apprentices and journeymen. Modern craft furniture makers continue to find Chapin’s work a source of inspiration.

Erin Strogoff is the Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs at the Connecticut Historical Society

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