Page:Southern Antiques - Burroughs - 1931.djvu/54

30  particularly following the close of the war. Furniture making discloses itself to us there, as always in Virginia, not as an established business, but the result of private labor. Extended notice of work carried on in Richmond is revealed, and there are names at this time that may be called. The names of Andrew and Robert McKimm appear on one of the labels given in this book, and the name of Robert is listed in the first census of Richmond, as is that of William Pointer, listed in the census of 1782. In 1807 John Alcock advertised in the Enquirer, of Richmond, and again in 1809, informing the public that he was "carrying on his Cabinet Makers' Business in all its branches where he makes all kinds of Mahogany Furniture in the best manner."

The Empire influence in furniture set in about 1820; and the reign of beauty was over. Much of the best that had been accomplished by way of lightening and giving grace and proportion to furniture was forced out, to make way for the more imposing pieces, impressive mainly on account of their size and heavy carving. Some of the workmanship was exceedingly good, as many of the best masters worked at it everywhere, as the vogue for what was French followed the rise of Napoleon's fortunes.

The spiral twist came in as motif during this period, and was found on legs of furniture and used often on bedposts. Headboards, as a rule, became more elaborate, and with the rooms in Southern houses large, it is not surprising that many of the Empire beds are to be found in the South. The pineapple motif, signifying plenty, was used to such an extent that the Empire period in the South has been often referred to as the Pineapple period.