Restoration of Chatham Estate, Fredericksburg VA, 1900s

This vintage photograph, created by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures the restoration of an estate near Fredericksburg, Virginia, during the early 20th century. It was commissioned by Mrs. Devore and serves as a documentation of the structures at Chatham, a significant historical site. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to catalog and preserve the architectural heritage of the region.

The photograph showcases the estates loggias and gardens, highlighting the intricate designs and landscaping typical of Southern estates during that era. Johnstons work contributed to a greater understanding of historic architecture and landscape design in Virginia, particularly in Stafford County.

Taken in the context of the early 1900s, this image not only reflects the artistic endeavors of Frances Benjamin Johnston but also provides insight into the cultural and architectural significance of Fredericksburg. It is an essential piece for collectors and historians interested in American architectural history.