Nothing says 'culture' like an elegant music stand

From the Telfair Permanent Collection

Two hundred years ago a cultured person was expected to be at ease singing or playing a musical instrument to entertain friends and family. An evening spent with friends might include a musical or voice performance given for the assembled guests by a family's daughter or son. A graceful music stand would hold sheets for the singer, or for a harpist or violin player.

This elegant stand belonged to George Welshman Owens, who purchased Telfair's Owens-Thomas house in 1830. Owens passed the house and contents down to his daughter, Margaret Owens Thomas, who left the estate to her daughter, Margaret Thomas.

Crafted of mahogany and rosewood, the stand features brass inlay and has bronze stenciling at the base. It was constructed to hold music for two performers. Dating from the early 1800s (1820-1830), this music stand is believed to have been made in New York. Though quite fragile and more than 150 years old, it is in very good condition. The stand can be seen in the music room at the Owens-Thomas House.