Desk, attributed to Daniel Rhein, Reading, Berks County, c. 1810. Bequest of John J. Snyder Jr.
The Snyder Collection Gallery features Berks County clocks and furniture, primarily from the Snyder collection. Alongside a flamboyant, full-length portrait of noted Reading clockmaker Daniel Rose is one of his earliest known clock movements and two clocks made by his brother-in-law, Daniel Oyster. Another section explores the work of Reading cabinetmaker Daniel Rhein, who produced highly sophisticated inlaid Federal furniture that is often mistaken for Philadelphia furniture.
Made possible through a generous bequest of 33 artifacts from the estate of noted Lancaster County collector John J. Snyder Jr., the installation of the new galleries was directed by Lisa Minardi, an authority on Pennsylvania German decorative arts and assistant curator at Winterthur Museum.