Furniture: Chair belonging to Charles S. Stratton
Furniture
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Unknown creator, American (created by)
1845 – 1865 (Date manufactured/created)
21.625 in H
X
11.25 in W
X
12 in D
Miniature chair, made for Charles S. Stratton, better known as “General Tom Thumb.” The chair was probably made for use on stage; very similar chairs are shown in popular prints of the 1840s and 1850s that feature Tom Thumb in his various performance characters. The chair stands about 21 3/4" tall. Its frame is a dark color wood, probably walnut. The dark green upholstery fabric and trim are unlikely to be original but the color and velvet appearance are much like what would have been used in the time period. The chair imitates the Gothic Revival style popular between about 1840 and 1870; the pronounced arch is a feature of many Gothic-inspired objects.
Stratton's dwarfism caused him to be just two feet tall and about 15 pounds at age 5, yet perfectly proportioned. He did grow very slowly over time, eventually reaching 42 inches in height. The short legs of this chair, about 7 inches from floor to seat, and its rather delicate frame suggest it was from the early period of Stratton's career when he was tiny.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage and continued touring and performing. On July 15,1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Stratton's dwarfism caused him to be just two feet tall and about 15 pounds at age 5, yet perfectly proportioned. He did grow very slowly over time, eventually reaching 42 inches in height. The short legs of this chair, about 7 inches from floor to seat, and its rather delicate frame suggest it was from the early period of Stratton's career when he was tiny.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage and continued touring and performing. On July 15,1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
EL 1988.052.001