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Secrets & Symbols

Hidden Messages in Decorative Objects

On Display
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Exhibition Type
Limited Time Display

Admission: Included with Museum Daily Admission

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This display provides a close look at a small selection of decorative objects in the VMHC collection—including a quilt, a ceramic vessel, and several pieces of furniture. Representing a diverse range of artisans, eras, and object types, the featured items share a common thread: they all have hidden contents, symbolic messages, or other personalized features. Through this unique display, visitors can explore these objects' secrets and what they reveal about their makers, owners, and histories.

Photos & Videos of Featured Artifacts

Image
A detail of a wooden rolltop desk with three drawers and a gold scale symbol embossed on the top
Detail of a desk, 1816-1817, made by John Shearer (about 1760-after 1818).

VMHC 2022.35. Gift of The Children of Louis and Harriett Waldrop.

Image
Painting of a woman in 1700s-era golden-colored dress, seated and holding an open book
Detail of a portrait of Teresa Blount, about 1710–1720s, by an unknown artist.

VMHC 1993.14.

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Detail of a quilt with multicolored patterened fabric squares in tones of red and brown on a bias.
Detail of a quilt, about 1890–1900, by Rena Effinger Coyner Koiner.

VMHC 2017.65.3. Gift of Dennis and Kay Stockdale.

“Crown of Thorns” chest of drawers, late 1800s, by an unknown maker.

VMHC 1996.114.A-C.

Quilt, about 1890–1900, by Rena Effinger Coyner Koiner.

VMHC 2017.65.3. Gift of Dennis and Kay Stockdale.

Cooler for water or beer, 1856, by George N. Fulton (1834–1894) for David Parr’s Pottery, Richmond, Virginia.

On long-term loan from The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV.

Chest of drawers, about 1914, by William L. Hedgbeth, Sr. (1882–1966).

VMHC 2023.18. Gift of Llewellyn H. Hedgbeth, in memory of her grandfather William L. Hedgbeth.

Desk, 1816-1817, made by John Shearer (about 1760-after 1818).

VMHC 2022.35. Gift of The Children of Louis and Harriett Waldrop.

Portrait of Teresa Blount, about 1710–1720s, by an unknown artist.

VMHC 1993.14.