Artist MR. JOHN ROBSON

Bonnet Chest or Chest of Drawers

Datec.1850s

DimensionsOverall: 148 × 115.7 × 51.8 cm

Credit LineGift of Mr. John Robson, 1991

Object number1991.014.003

Label TextJohn T. Shipley made this chest of drawers for his younger sister, Eleanor Shipley Robson (b. 1832). John Shipley was a local cabinet/furniture maker. Eleanor Shipley used it as her "Hope Chest," a place to store linens and other household goods in anticipation of her eventual marriage. Eleanor Shipley came to Canada as a babe in arms in 1832 and her brother, John, learned to walk on board ship. His family was much amused that he continued to use his shipboard stance, feet astride for balance, long after they arrived in Canada.

NameChest of Drawers