New Acquisition

19th Century Huntboard, circa 1850.

The State Museum has added an unusual 19th-century huntboard made in the South Carolina Backcountry to its decorative arts and furniture collection. Huntboards, a Scots-Irish traditional form, are similar to sideboards. According to Curator of Art Paul Matheny, “Huntboards, commonly found in the dining room, were used to hold linens, serving dishes and silverware, but were not as formal as a more elaborate sideboard.”

The newly-acquired poplar huntboard was made in the 1850s, probably in York County. “This piece retains its original black lacquer finish and the backsplash scrollwork is found in furniture made in the Upstate, particularly in York County,” added Matheny. “While the craftsman of this unique huntboard is unknown, he obviously was a very skilled individual and the Museum is fortunate to have this work in its growing collection.”