1890s Interior of Armistead Home, Mathews County, VA

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, features the interior of the Armistead family home in Mathews County, Virginia. The image emphasizes the craftsmanship of the wooden stairway and intricate woodwork that characterizes the architectural style of the period. Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant structures in the region.

Mathews County, a historic area in Virginia, showcases a blend of colonial and antebellum architectural influences. The Armistead home, with its detailed interiors, serves as a testament to the skill of builders and artisans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This photograph provides insight into the domestic life and design aesthetics of the era.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image is a valuable resource for those interested in American history, architecture, and the evolution of home design in Virginia. It is a striking representation of the intimate connection between people and their living spaces.