Permanent Collection

  • Late 19th Century
  • France
  • Height: 42 in.
  • Briar Root


Rustic bench with Japanese influence made of intertwined briar branches forming back support, arms, and legs. Surface is irregular with rough textured roots and thorny nubs-stained with a dark finish. One of a pair originally pictured in the Tampa Bay Hotel solarium.

historic photo showing bench carved to look like briar roots. two ornate chairs in background of Hotel Grand Salon

historic photo showing Hotel solarium. two briar root benches set next to ornate pouf. potted palm trees in background.
Image from 1898 Tampa Bay Hotel brochure.

Accession Number: 1999.059