For Immediate Release: September 21, 2010 through February 2011 Contact: Melissa Eastlake, (202) 879-3274 DAR Museum Exhibition Explores Political Diversity in Early America What: DAR Museum exhibition: "'A True North Britain': The Furniture of John Shearer, 1790-1820" Date: October 8, 2010 - February 26, 2011 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Federal holidays Address: DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington DC 20006 Telephone: (202) 879-3241 Web site: www.dar.org/museum <http://www.dar.org/museum> Admission: Free to the public. To schedule a group tour call (202) 879-3241. Description: The exquisitely detailed furniture of craftsman John Shearer is showcased in the DAR Museum exhibition "'A True North Britain': The Furniture of John Shearer, 1790-1820." Noted not only for its form but also for the politically charged symbols inlaid in many pieces, the furniture helps to explore early America's cultural ties to Great Britain during the most contentious period in the two nations' shared history. John Shearer, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, worked in northern Virginia and western Maryland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He left behind no paper trail, choosing instead to inscribe his biography and his politics directly on his furniture. While other early craftsmen were inlaying their work with eagles to symbolize a new American government, Shearer glorified Great Britain and its Royal Navy. Shearer documented the Royal Navy's exploits almost like a political cartoonist. Although fine furniture was an unusual medium for these messages, 52 of his pieces survive, showing that his pro-British sentiments did not deter demand for the simple but unconventionally embellished furniture. As America formed a national identity, its cultural and political diversity included many who retained a strong sense of loyalty to Great Britain. This exhibition explores the work of one eccentric artist to show how this diversity was built into the foundations of our country. DAR Museum: The DAR Museum collection features more than 30,000 examples of decorative and fine arts, including objects made or used in America prior to the Industrial Revolution. Furniture, silver, paintings, ceramics and textiles, such as quilts and costumes, are exhibited in 31 period rooms and two galleries. The main gallery features changing exhibitions and displays of selected quilts, coverlets and samplers. The DAR Museum Shop offers a variety of unique gifts and books. The DAR Museum, located at 1776 D Street NW, is free to the public and open 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Docent tours of the period rooms are offered from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday. The DAR Museum is closed Sundays, Federal holidays, and for one week during the DAR annual meeting in July. For information on the DAR Museum, visit www.dar.org/museum <http://www.dar.org/museum> or call (202) 879-3241 to schedule a group tour. Melissa Eastlake Web Content Coordinator Public Relations Department National Society Daughters of the American Revolution http://www.dar.org/ http://www.youtube.com/TodaysDAR (202) 879-3274 [log in to unmask] ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html