PATINA Sept 2021 Meeting (Amanda Doggett)

The guest presentation featured Amanda Doggett, who presented a lecture entitled “John Hemmings: A Life and Work Under the Institution of Slavery“. Hemmings was the enslaved Joiner of Monticello who’s work there and at Poplar Forest reflect Jefferson’s deep love of Palladian architecture as well as a convoluted relationship with the institution of slavery in the 18th century. This discussion featured not only the work of Hemmings but also took a closer look at how enslavement effected five generations of his family. Amanda also presented her reproduction of a surviving Hemmings piece. This program tied-in nicely with that of our last speaker, Scott Merrifield who featured the works of 18th Century plane makers Francis and John Nicholson, with special emphasis on Cesar Chelor.

Amanda Doggett is an apprentice Joiner at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Southeastern Virginia. Her research focus outside of traditional joinery focuses on marginalized groups in the workforce, namely women, black Virginians, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She is a two-time ERHI Professional Development Grant recipient, a one-time Gonzales Field Experience grant recipient, a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation, and a fellow with the International Center for Jefferson Studies in Charlottesville.