The Collection

Simple elegance is the hallmark of Newport furniture from the workshops of renowned cabinetmakers inlcuding the Townsends and the Goddards, who lived and worked in the town's Point section.  Influenced by the Quaker beliefs and formal designs from England, the furniture is known for its smooth curves, graceful lines, and the richness of its carving.  The Whitehorne Museum is home to a rich collection of works by these famed cabinetmakers and their artisans, such as Benjamin Baker and Holmes Weaver.

Its History

Intensely interested in craftmanship of all kinds, Doris Duke became fascinated with furniture made by Newport cabinetmakers — the Townsend and Goddard families, Benjamin Baker, and others.  During the 1960s and 1970s, Miss Duke assembled a wide-ranging collection which she believed should be displayed in the city of its origin.  Now on display more than 200 years after their creation, these examples of Newport furniture are enduring symbols of American skill and creativity.