Preserving Thomas Jefferson's Legacy: The Original Furniture at Monticello
Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, in Virginia, features a remarkable collection of original furniture, among which approximately 25% remain intact from Jefferson's time. This preservation offers visitors a unique glimpse into Jefferson's personal taste and the historical significance of the estate.
Original Furniture at Monticello
About 60% of the furnishings on display in the house at Monticello can be traced directly to Jefferson. These items, along with pieces designed or collected by Jefferson himself, have been carefully preserved in their original locations or exhibited in the museum. The remaining items are either period pieces or reproductions based on contemporary descriptions of objects in Jefferson’s possession.
This meticulous preservation reflects the importance of maintaining historical accuracy, even as the process of reassembling the collection has been a complex and challenging task. It is remarkable how much original furniture has been found, considering the dispersal and subsequent disappearance of many objects after Jefferson's death.
Critical Finds
Two particularly notable pieces of original furniture at Monticello include the pair of gilt pier mirrors in the Parlor. These mirrors, acquired by Jefferson in 1790 from Paris, were installed in their present location by 1809. It is believed that these may be the only furnishings in the house that have never been removed. A fascinating detail is that these mirrors were removed from the wall just once, revealing two semicircular niches that remain from Jefferson's original construction of Monticello.
Dispersal After Jefferson's Death
After Jefferson's death, the house and all of its furnishings were either bequeathed to family members or sold at auction and dispersed. This event marked the beginning of a significant challenge in preserving Jefferson's legacy.
The grand Entrance Hall of Monticello showcases a large collection of natural history artifacts and Indian objects. These items were originally part of a collection Jefferson acquired from Lewis and Clark after their return from the Louisiana Territory in 1805. Following Jefferson's death, this collection was given to the University of Virginia, but efforts to identify and locate specific items have largely been unsuccessful. The Indian artifacts on display today are recreations based on descriptions of Jefferson's collection, crafted by experts and Native American craftsmen.
Legacy of the Library
The remaining contents of Jefferson's library are distributed among several institutions. Parts of the collection can be found at the Library of Congress, the University of Virginia, and Washington University in St. Louis. This distribution ensures that Jefferson's extensive knowledge and interests are preserved and accessible to researchers and the public.
In conclusion, the original furniture at Monticello serves as a testament to Thomas Jefferson's personal taste and the enduring legacy of this historic home. The preservation of these items, despite the challenges of historical dispersal, offers a deep and meaningful insight into Jefferson's life and times.