They Were Handed Down

Since 1690 Matthew Clarkson and his descendants have been collecting furniture, silver and other examples of American decorative art. The pedigreed collection has now been given to the Metropolitan Museum. Matthew Clarkson came to New York as Secretary of the Province under William and Mary. He married Katherina van Schaick of Albany, and their children's children have ever since been prominent in Manhattan. The Clarkson family treasures-- two-handled silver bowls, engraved patch boxes, a creamer by William Gilbert, chairs by Duncan Phyfe, a carved door from Turkestan, etc.--are now exhibited.