The early 19th century furthered expansion and accelerated manufacturing through technical advances. The range of products and processes that emerged during this period represent the expanding scope of manufacturing activity. One of the many styles seen was known as Biedermeier, which embraced simplicity and emphasized the beauty of natural woods and plain polished surfaces. A great example of this style in the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) is a Reed Organ with Writing Table with a Sewing and Dressing Box made by Emilius Nicolai Scherr in 1837. This object would have been very popular in a woman’s parlor during the 19th century.
Emilius Nicolai Scherr, Reed Organ with Writing Table and Sewing and Dressing Box, c. 1837 Emilius Nicolai Scherr grew up following in his father’s footsteps in the family piano and organ building factory. By the 1820s Scherr, went to Hamburg where he continued to apprentice with master piano and organ builders; furthering his skills which would served him well when he came to America. He sailed to …show more content…
In order to open the lid, you would have to use a key. The inside of the frame has a design in the center with a monogram, while the ends have a cut-out design; which is a design that is continued around the panels surrounding the piano keys. The writing table reveals itself once you pull down on the center of the lid when it is open. To open the sewing box, you would just have to simply lift up the writing table (which double as a lid). When you re open to the sewing box, there is a mirror on the lid (which is under the writing table) and the frame of the mirror, along with the spaces for the sewing materials all have the same painted design. Scherr worked with a cabinetmaker to make sure the case met the requirements of the musical instrument; which allowed a five-octave
Emilius Nicolai Scherr, Reed Organ with Writing Table and Sewing and Dressing Box, c. 1837 Emilius Nicolai Scherr grew up following in his father’s footsteps in the family piano and organ building factory. By the 1820s Scherr, went to Hamburg where he continued to apprentice with master piano and organ builders; furthering his skills which would served him well when he came to America. He sailed to …show more content…
In order to open the lid, you would have to use a key. The inside of the frame has a design in the center with a monogram, while the ends have a cut-out design; which is a design that is continued around the panels surrounding the piano keys. The writing table reveals itself once you pull down on the center of the lid when it is open. To open the sewing box, you would just have to simply lift up the writing table (which double as a lid). When you re open to the sewing box, there is a mirror on the lid (which is under the writing table) and the frame of the mirror, along with the spaces for the sewing materials all have the same painted design. Scherr worked with a cabinetmaker to make sure the case met the requirements of the musical instrument; which allowed a five-octave