Kentucky Windsor settee or bench, attributed to William Challen, Lexington. Plain crest over a tripartite back, each section fitted with four spindles having oval ornaments and one central Federal urn ornament spindle, downward-sweeping scrolled arms supported by one turned spindle, above a curved woven rush seat raised on eight turned legs, joined by shaped and turned stretchers, the front stretchers with a central diamond-shaped design. Mixed woods. 35 1/2" H x 70 1/2" W x 17 1/4" D. Circa 1810-1830. Note: A side chair attributed to Challen in the MESDA object database (Acc. 5691.2) has the identical turned feet and stretchers with a central diamond flanked by double-ring turnings. https://mesda.org/item/collections/side-chair/20893/. Challen was a British immigrant who worked in London, relocated to New York City by 1796, and was in Lexington, Kentucky by 1809.

The Collection of Michael and Peggy Mahoney, by descent from the historic homes of Clarkland Farm at Bryan's Station and Cherrycote, Lexington, Kentucky. Overall very good condition with an older efinished surface, expected use wear commensurate with age. Some losses to varnished rush seat, primarily to front corners.