miniature-oak-lectern-and-chained-bible
Lot 1349
Miniature Oak Lectern and Chained Bible
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Early 20th century, the lectern with turned wood column, labeled to underside (6 in.), with chained miniature bible containing Old and New Testaments (1 7/8 in.), includes original packaging labeled "Sampson & Low / 100 Southwark St. London," the firms listed address in 1909. The set also includes The Little Webster Dictionary, containing 18,000 words, published by the Tiny Book & Novelty Company, New York (1 7/8 in.).

From the Collection of the late Dr. Margery Williams Adams and Dr. George Carlisle Adams, Charlotte, North Carolina
Margery and Carlisle Adams were lifelong patrons of the arts in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. They met in Paris where they were both Fulbright Scholars, she studying at the Sorbonne, and he teaching Pediatrics to French physicians.

Margery (1921-2022) grew up in Worcester, MA. She graduated from Smith College, held a Masters and a Ph.D. in Art History from Radcliffe College (now Harvard University), and taught Art History at Radcliffe and Queens College in Charlotte. She inherited from her uncle - Frank Smith, a Worcester attorney - an extraordinary art collection of Italian antiques and works by early 20th century contemporary artists, the core of which has been donated to the Worcester Art Museum and Smith College Museum of Art. Her personal interest in collecting focused on New England furniture and 18th century coin silver spoons. She was instrumental in securing the Delhom Ceramics Collection for the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte.

Carlisle Adams (1923-1996) graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School and began collecting early American furniture and paintings during his freshman year of college to furnish a spartan dorm room. His eclectic tastes encompassed French fans and paintings, Italian furniture, and Persian rugs, his vast collection now residing at San Diego State University. He was a lifelong opera enthusiast, and he served on the boards of both the Charlotte Opera and the Charlotte Symphony.

Some staining and wear to lectern box; lectern base with staining.