Harry Piers: Museum Maker

Notes from Piers Accession Book: Photograph of the old Governors' Chair of State which was in the Legislative Council Chamber, Province Building, Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 1819 to about 1863. Made of mahogany, with turned front legs, arms, and curved back; 41 inches high at back, and 25 1/2 inches in full width in front of seat; [carving] modern. From the original in the library of the summer home of late Dr. Thomas B. Akins, Commissioner of Public Records (Mrs. Payzant is at present living in the house), Falmouth, Hants County, Nova Scotia.

Label on the underside of the seat, in Dr. T.B. Akins's handwriting says: "This was the Chair of State of the Province of Nova Scotia from 1819 until 1863 or thereabouts. It was placed in the Council Chamber in the Province Building on the opening of the Building and remained under the canopy at the head [west end] of the room until removed to make place for the present chair at the close of Lt. Gen. Sir Gaspard Le Marchant's [mistake[], for Earl of Mulgrave's] administration. It has been occupied by the following [Lieut.] Governors: George, Earl of Dalhousie, Sir James Kempt, Sir Peregrine Maitland, Sir Colin Campbell, Viscount Falkland, Sir John Harvey, Sir Gaspard Le Marchant, Earl of Mulgrave, and Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell."

Another label, also written by Dr. Akins, says: "This chair was given to Thomas B. Akins, Commissioner of Records in Nova Scotia, by the Hon. James McDonald, President of the Board of Works of Nova Scotia."

View complete entry from the Harry Piers Accession Book

Date Accessioned: 23 June 1933

Reference: Harry Piers number 7618  Nova Scotia Archives Photograph Collection Furniture: Chairs (2)