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only child of a wealthy merchant, had the resources to travel extensively, make luxu-
rious alterations and additions to the gardens, and purchase elegant furnishings for
the Mansion.
The first room to receive "redecorating" was the Drawing Room. About this time, the
woodwork was painted off-white, and the doors on the first floor were painted a rich dark
green. Later, the doors and woodwork were grained to imitate walnut, and the walls were
papered.
In 1832, the Ridgelys ordered a suite of painted furniture from John Finlay, the most
prominent "fancy" furniture maker in Baltimore. Also a coach painter, he worked with
his brother Hugh from 1803-1816, and resumed his business alone in 1831.
This set of black and gold furniture, in
the classical archaeological style often
referred to as Empire, is an important
group. It survives in the original room
for which it was designed, documented
by its bill of sale.
The bill for the black and gold set
includes
14 Hollow back framed chairs with-
out Damask for seats
1 Sofa with Gilt swans and chimn
legs without Damask for
Covering
1 peir (sic) Table frame with mar-
ble pillars ormalo (sic) caps &
bases & Gilt Lions feet
1 Centre Table carved pillar &
feet
for a total of $327. At this time a more
typical set of painted furniture might
have retailed for about $125-150. The
tops of the center table and pier table are
imported, decorated with polychromed
scenes and ornate borders painted on
slate.
The sofa alone, with its large carved
and gilded swans, sold for $80 without
its upholstery. A sophisticated example, unique among Baltimore painted furniture, the
sofa exhibits a strong French influence, possibly attributable to Eliza Ridgely's taste. She
had travelled throughout Europe and enjoyed a special friendship with the Marquis de
Lafayette. The French silver ewer on the center table, embellished with swans and other
classical motifs found on the painted furniture, is said to have been a gift to the family
from Lafayette.
Painted sidechair, Baltimore, 1832. This chair is
part of a set made for John and Eliza Ridgely by
John Finlay. The classical ornamentation seen on
this chair contains elements used throughout the
Drawing Room during this period.
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