Dennis Andrew Carr
The Account Book of Benjamin Baker

Figure 1 High chest of drawers possibly by Benjamin Baker, Newport, Rhode Island. Mahogany with white pine and chestnut. H. 87 3/4", W. 40 1/4", D. 22 1/4". (Courtesy, Whitehorne House Museum, Newport Restoration Foundation; photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 2

Detail of the signature on the back of the high chest illustrated in fig. 1. (Photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 3

Detail of the front inside cover of the account book of Benjamin Baker. (Courtesy, Newport Historical Society)

Figure 4 Entry for John Townsend in the account book of Benjamin Baker.

Figure 5

Detail of the carved shell on the skirt of the high chest illustrated in fig. 1. (Photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 6 John Townsend, high chest of drawers, Newport, Rhode Island, 1759. Mahogany with chestnut, white pine, and cottonwood. H. 88 7/8", W. 39 7/16", D. 22 1/8". (Courtesy, Yale University Art Gallery; bequest of Doris M. Bixey.)

Figure 7 Detail of the carved shell on the skirt of the high chest illustrated in fig. 6.

Figure 8

Benjamin Baker, dressing table, Newport, Rhode Island, possibly 1764. Mahogany with chestnut and white pine. H. 31", W. 35", D. 20". (Courtesy, Preservation Society of Newport County; photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 9 Detail of the chalk inscription on the back of the skirt of the dressing table illustrated in fig. 8. (Photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 10 Detail of the carved shell on the skirt of the dressing table illustrated in fig. 8. (Photo, Gavin Ashworth.)

Figure 11

Entry for Thomas Claggett in the account book of Benjamin Baker.

Figure 12

Benjamin Baker, tall clock case, Newport, Rhode Island, 1772. Mahogany with white pine. H. 95", W. 21 5/8", D. 11 1/4". (Courtesy, Old Sturbridge Village.)

Figure 13

Detail of the label on the back of the waist door of the tall clock case illustrated in fig. 12.

Figure 14

Map of Newport showing Baker’s property on Easton’s Point, 1777. (Courtesy, Newport Historical Society.)