Accession Number

2023.001 a-b

Description

One circa 1890 oak hallstand (a) with a triangular beveled mirror and a seat with one cabriole leg, the back with turned spindles and acanthus-leaf carvings. To the right of the seat is a cupboard with a door, and inside it, a removable metal drip-tray on the floor. The tray (b) is finished with bronze powder paint and partially rust-covered. Above the mirror are three metal rods supported by cast brass brackets screwed to the stiles. One of the rods is brass and original to the hallstand. The other two are newer brass-plated expanding curtain rods. Beneath each rod bracket is a coat hook consisting of two stylized sea-horses. The oak gallery above the metal rods has a projecting cornice with spiral relief carvings at both sides and above it a rail with numerous rectangular uniformly sized openings. At the top of the gallery is a horizontal barley-sugar twist rod with turned finials at each end. On the back of the hallstand are four old nails which once secured a paper label and above it, handwritten in pencil is "200#".

Narrative

This oak hallstand was probably manufactured in North America, possibly even in Victoria, B.C., by Weiler Bros. or Jacob Sehl. To collectors of Victorian furniture, wooden furniture of this type is often referred to as “golden oak” because of its distinctive colour.

This hallstand was first noticed by Craigdarroch’s curator in about 1982 at the 1885 residence of the late Carl Rudolph at 1501 Fort Street:
https://victoriaheritagefoundation.ca/HReg/Rockland/Fort1501.html (last accesed May 20, 2023)

Mr. Rudolph bought this house in 1963 and then began major conservation work on it. This included installation of furniture and building components that he acquired at local Victoria auctions and demolition sales in the 1960s and 1970s.

It is reasonable to surmise that this hallstand has been in Victoria since it was new. It might have been in 1501 Fort Street when Mr. Rudolph bought the house. This hallstand was acquired by The Castle Society for use in Craigdarroch’s back hall. It is likely that some family members routinely used the kitchen entrance – especially if coming from or going to a horse tied to one of the bollards which historic photographs show were installed near that door (see: 2000.021.005) A hallstand like this one, with a seat, stationed in the back hall, would be useful for removing or putting on boots and hanging jackets, coats, and for temporarily placing riding crops and headgear.

History of Use

The early history of use for this hallstand is not known. Sometime before 1982, it became the property of the late Carl Rudolph and was used by him at his historically significant residence, “Regents Park”, aka “Higgins Hall” at 1501 Fort Street in Victoria, B.C. until 1997 when Mr. Rudolph died. It was then used in that house by the next owners and still later, at their other homes.

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

218 x 105 x 35.5 cm

Material

Wood, oak; Metal, brass; Metal, alloy; Glass

Technique

Carved; Milled; Varnished; Cast; Repoussed; Painted