Townsend family

Townsend family, American cabinetmakers working in Newport, Rhode Island, during the 17th and 18th centuries and forming with the Goddard family the Goddard-Townsend group, known for case furniture characterized by block fronts and decorative carved shell motifs, frequently in the graceful and ornate style developed by the English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale.

Job Townsend (1699–1765) and his brother Christopher Townsend (1701–73) were the first generation involved in cabinetmaking. Job’s daughter married John Goddard, then his apprentice and the first of the Goddard family associated with the Townsends. The only known piece bearing Job’s label is a desk-bookcase at the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence. Other pieces attributed to him include a chest of drawers and a dressing table. Christopher’s work was apparently much like that of his brother, although no existing piece was definitely attributed to him until the late 20th century, when a secretary he built in 1740 (which had been moved to France in 1800 with the other goods of the purchaser’s grandson and his family) was sold at auction for more than $8 million.

Five of Job’s sons became cabinetmakers. The account books of Job Edward Townsend, Jr. (1726–1818), list various pieces made to order. A bureau bears the label of Edmund Townsend (1736–1811). Thomas Townsend (1742–1822), a carpenter, was banished to Massachusetts by the British from 1775 to 1780. He later became an innkeeper. Robert M. Townsend (died 1805) left a cabinetmaking business that was taken over by his brother Job II. James Townsend (died 1827) is considered by some authorities to be responsible for much of the carving that decorates pieces made by the Goddard-Townsend group.

Christopher’s son John Townsend (1732–1809), recognized as one of the outstanding craftsmen of the group, was held by the British for several weeks in 1777 and is believed to have worked in Connecticut after his release, returning to Newport in 1782. About nine pieces bearing his label have been found. Labeled pieces of John’s work include a chest of drawers, a breakfast table, a clock case, and other tables. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, has two matching card tables, one bearing his label. John’s brother, Jonathan (1745–72), also worked as a cabinetmaker.

Edmund’s son Job E. (1758–78) was apparently apprenticed as a cabinetmaker, but he died young. There is no indication that his two brothers became cabinetmakers.

John F., known to be living in 1829, was John’s son. A desk at the Newport Historical Society is attributed to him, but his work is not considered equal in quality to that of his father.