Dr. Philip D. Zimmerman, nationally-recognized authority on early American furniture, will facilitate this day-long examination of the objects in Connecticut Decorative Arts: Masterpieces from the CMCH Collection that relies on multiple interpretative strategies. Inquiry and assessment from a variety of perspectives—such as changes over time or place, marketing and marketplace, symbolism, ritual, and others—will be explored. The goal will be to gain a fuller understanding of the design, construction, material, and historic complexities of objects in the exhibit. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the collections storage area to appreciate the richness of the CMCH’s decorative arts holdings and to identify objects for in-depth study by the group. Limited enrollment and an open format will allow each individual maximum access and participation.
Registration fees are $100 for CMCH members and $125 for Non-members.
For more information or to register for this program contact Jenny Steadman at Jennifer_Steadman@chs.org or (860) 236-5621 x289.
Dr. Philip D. Zimmerman is a museum and decorative arts consultant, author, and nationally recognized authority on early American furniture based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He holds an American and New England Studies PhD from Boston University and a Winterthur Program MA from the University of Delaware. Recent books include Harmony in Wood: Furniture of the Harmony Society (2010) and Delaware Clocks (2006), and many articles in American Furniture, Winterthur Portfolio, Antiques Magazine, and others. Earlier in his career, Dr. Zimmerman was director of the museum collections division at Winterthur (1986-1992), executive director of the Historical Society of York County (1983- 86), and curator of the Currier Gallery of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire (1978-83).