MOOSEHEAD MFG. TO CO-SPONSOR YEAR-LONG MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Furniture World Magazine

The first exhibition that surveys Maine's rich history of furniture making will open at the Maine State Museum in Augusta October 4. Entitled "Out of the Woods: Downeast Furniture 1720 - 1940," the exhibit is being co-sponsored by Moosehead Manufacturing Company of Monson and by Fleet Bank. "Although the furniture pre-dates Moosehead's existence, says Moosehead president, Wayne Huff, we are proud to celebrate our fiftieth anniversary by supporting this presentation of Maine craftsmanship." Moosehead has also worked with the museum to develop a hands-on program in furniture making. The company has produced a video called "How Chairs Are Made." Touring children will watch the video and then be given the opportunity to assemble chairs provided by Moosehead. Over 60 pieces of Maine-related furniture will be presented, including major chronological categories - Colonial, Federal, Empire, Victorian and Revival. Cutting across these themes will be several alternate traditions such as Maine Shaker, Acadian and Waldoboro German. One of the earliest pieces in the exhibition is a 1720's high-chest. According to chief curator, Ed Churchill, research has revealed that over 2,500 individuals were known to have been involved in the production of furniture in Maine, beginning with the arrival from England of joiner Anthony Emery of Kittery in 1651. Throughout Maine's furniture history there always remained aspects of construction and design in which the soul of Maine continued to sing. Paint decorated furniture ranging from imitative trompe l'oeil to exuberant graining was unmatched throughout New England in color, variety and dramatic presence. At the same time, alternate traditions were present. The Acadian furniture of the upper St. John Valley harkened back to French joinery traditions and mirrored - in numerous small chairs, long benches, large tables and the ubiquitous rocking chair styles - the large families and close-knit social structure of the society. Meanwhile, a small number of clearly Germanic inspired carved and paint decorated objects from the mid-Maine coast speak to the heritage of the settlers brought over from central Europe in the last half of the 18th century. And, finally, the clean, spare lines and focus on utility reflective of their faith comes forth with emphatic power in the furniture of Maine Shakers. In this year long exhibit one will see reflections of the values, desires and accomplishments of Maine's people. In their household goods, and especially in their furniture, they sought comfort, enjoyment and an expression of themselves. This is a rich heritage, expressed in a myriad of forms and fashions. When a visitor leaves this exhibition, it will be with a new appreciation of the diversity, complexity and significance of Maine furniture heritage. Moosehead is a Maine based, family-owned furniture producer celebrating its 50th anniversary in 1997. The company's two factories in Monson and Dover-Foxcroft employ about 250 in the making of solid hardwood bedroom, dining room, occasional, infant and youth furniture.