Early Colonial Timber Furniture
The choice of rose mahogany (or rosewood) confirms the popularity of this timber among furniture makers in the early history of New South Wales. Rose mahogany was a hardwood timber that grew in the rainforest areas north of the Hawkesbury River, from Wyong to the Queensland border. It was used extensively both as a veneer and as a solid working timber. It was considered especially good for woodturning in the construction of small side-table legs and bed posts. It received its name from the characteristic sweet scent of the freshly cut wood, which is similar to the South American rosewood, and the straight even grain of the timber which is very similar to mahogany.
The use of this timber in Macquarie's chairs may also provide an insight into a friendship between the carpenter William Temple and another convict, Patrick Riley, who gave evidence before the Bigge Commission of Enquiry. In his evidence before Commissioner Bigge in January 1820 Riley stated that rosewood was "very good for fine furniture & for veneering, as well as for turning. Good Bed Posts are made of it."
Further, James Atkinson's book An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales (published in 1826) where he listed the varieties of timber to be found in the colony, including the following description:
"Rose Wood. - Found principally at Port Macquarie, and Hunter's River. The trees are large, and generally sound quite to the heart; the grain is close and fine, and the texture and appearance when worked extremely beautiful, resembling the best mahogany. This wood is much used by Cabinet-makers, and makes very excellent furniture; it also makes very good shells for blocks, not being liable to split."
Return to: Macquarie Chair
Sources
Primary Sources
James Atkinson. An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales. Sydney: Sydney University Press, 1975 [facsimile edition]. First published London, J. Cross, 1826.
Macquarie Chair: Site Map
Copyright © 2011 Macquarie University. All rights reserved.
