H. F. du Pont acquired antique architectural elements to serve as a backdrop for his
collection of Americana. Many rooms were installed between 1930-1931 when he enlarged the house that
he had inherited from his father. Additional displays were added as he was modifying his house to become
the Winterthur Museum. Du Pont had acquired an overmantel from a house built about 1780 near
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He would first install the mantel in his South Hampton, Long Island residence
and then move it to Winterthur in 1940 into what would become known as the Pennsylvania German
Bedroom. Hickory Chair Company's artists were inspired by the silhouette of the mantel and the shape of
a Winterthur Garden railing and post in the design of this new upholstered bed.
