Mantles by Robert Wellford

Built during the opening decades of the nineteenth century, Wharton Place preserves an extraordinary connection to Robert Wellford, one of the most accomplished decorative artisans of America’s Federal period. English-born and trained in London before establishing his Philadelphia manufactory in the 1790s, Wellford became celebrated for finely detailed composition ornament inspired by classical mythology, nature, patriotism, and the elegant neoclassical designs of Robert Adam. Four fireplace mantels bearing Wellford’s distinctive artistry remain among the home’s most important architectural features—rare survivals of the craftsmanship and refined taste that defined the young American republic.