Side Chair
1 of 2
Object Label
The design of this chair, unlike those of previous eras, does not rely on models from the distant past, “exotic” cultures, or direct observation of nature. Rather, it is expressed in the new, modern language of abstraction based on geometry and planes. Frank Lloyd Wright rejected nineteenth-century concerns about comfort, decoration, and coloration in favor of a simple and unencumbered design that seeks to express the essence of what a chair is.
Caption
Frank Lloyd Wright (American, 1867–1959). Side Chair, 1904. Oak, upholstery, 40 1/8 x 14 3/4 x 18 1/2in. (101.9 x 37.5 x 47cm) Seat height: 17 in. (43.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 83.157a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Designer
Title
Side Chair
Date
1904
Geography
Place manufactured: Oak Park, Illinois, United States
Medium
Oak, upholstery
Classification
Dimensions
40 1/8 x 14 3/4 x 18 1/2in. (101.9 x 37.5 x 47cm) Seat height: 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Signatures
no signature
Inscriptions
no inscriptions
Markings
no marks
Credit Line
Designated Purchase Fund
Accession Number
83.157a-b
Frequent Art Questions
What makes this chair special?
This chair was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most celebrated American architects of the 20th century. Instead of creating elaborate, heavily-ornamented chairs, like those seen in nearby galleries, Wright was highlighting the simple beauty of the wood. Notice how he has reduced the chair down to basic geometric forms - it is a study in right angles, enlivened by one bold diagonal line.Can you please give me information on this chair by Frank Lloyd Wright?
Wright designed much of his furniture to be fully integrated into architectural interiors. Chairs such as this could be made on a housing site by the same carpenter commissioned to do the building’s woodwork. The simple, undecorated design was relatively easy to produce; the wood uses standard dimensions that one could buy in a lumber yard.It looks very timeless and modern doesn't it? Hard to believe it was designed over 100 years ago!What a cool idea. I love the aesthetic!If you like this, you should check out a chair designed by Greene and Greene nearby. They were working at the same period and were inspired by Japanese carpentry!
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