The newest attraction at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is a small exhibition of big artifacts that hold even bigger secrets.
“Secrets & Symbols,” which opens Dec. 9 in the Stern Gallery, showcases the hidden mysteries found within decorative furniture and homemade objects found in the former Virginia Historical Society’s extensive collection. “Each of the pieces reflect the diversity of the makers, of eras and of materials,” says Karen Sherry, senior curator at VMHC.
“They all feature hidden compartments, symbolic messages or other highly personalized elements. This exhibition is about looking into the meaning of the secrets and symbols and what they tell us about the makers and the people who used these objects.”
For example, there’s the oldest piece in the six-item exhibit, a portrait from the early-18th century of an English gentlewoman named Teresa Blount, that was once part of William Byrd II’s painting collection. “It was the largest collection of Colonial portraiture in America. Byrd spent a lot of time in London, so chances are he circulated in the same social circles as Teresa Blount.”
In the painting, the good lady is holding a piece of sheet music. The unknown artist definitely wants us to notice it; we can clearly see the title (“Climene. Sung by Mrs. Toft.”) and identify specific musical notes. “From this information, we learned that the sheet music references an opera that debuted in English on the London stage in 1709,” says Sherry, adding that “you have to come to the museum to find out why her portrait specifically references this opera. The secret is in that sheet music.”
The exhibit also gives the museum the opportunity to display newly acquired artifacts for the very first time, such as a beautiful secretary style walnut desk made in 1816-17. Crafted by one of the most skilled furniture makers active in the northern Shenandoah region in that period, John Shearer, the front board of the slam top desk is adorned with detailed woodwork and inscriptions. “This kind of decorative work was typical of Shearer,” says the curator. “[He] used this inlay to allude to his own identity as a Scottish emigrant and to his continued loyalty to Britain, particularly the British navy.”
But there’s also a mischievous mystery hidden within. Shearer planted a note about the man who commissioned the desk inside a secret compartment. While not giving away details, Sherry says that the letter is far from a glowing character reference. “It’s a note that would fulfill any disgruntled employee’s fancy,” she laughs.
One object from the museum’s collection that has been displayed before, and never fails to dazzle, is a chest of drawers known as the Crown of Thorns bureau. This large furniture piece is encrusted with chipped wood decorations arranged in a lattice form, a style that Sherry says was popular in the late-19th century and sometimes referred to as “Tramp Art.”
“We don’t know the maker but chances are it was an African American because the owner of the chest was a Black couple in Lynchburg. Whoever he was, he was really a talented woodworker. It’s kind of a showstopping piece.” The curator points out that the elaborate decorations often distract people from the hidden compartment. “The mirror spins around to reveal something on the back.”
Was it once a trend to hide secrets within household items? Sherry says yes. “Throughout the years, certain pieces of furniture, desks and dressers would often have a hidden locked compartment in the drawers so that people could store valuables and jewelry or papers and have them hidden away. The features we’re showcasing here have some added hidden content or personal symbolism.”
The exhibit also showcases a 20-gallon ceramic cooler adorned with mysterious symbols, made by master potter George N. Fulton in 1856, and an evocative quilt from the 1890s crafted by an Augusta County farmwife, Rena Koiner, that contains hidden messages about her life and family. Visitors will have the opportunity to look at all of the items in great depth through videos highlighting the often small, minute details.
“At various times, people have found a way to express themselves, either overtly or covertly in the items they make,” Sherry says. “This exhibit showcases the tendency for artists and artisans to personalize their work in some way. This is a chance to dig deep into the hidden stories of some fascinating objects.”
“Secrets & Symbols” will be on display at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture from Dec. 9 to Oct. 20, 2024. Admission included with museum admission and members get in free. For more information, go to virginiahistory.org.
Correction: The artwork of Blount was from the early 18th-century.