There are 8 other images of this object. This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions), and as such we offer a high-resolution image of it. See our image rights statement.

 

See more objects with the tag curving form, communication, asymmetry, recording, curved, writing, wood, writers.

See more objects with the color darkolivegreen grey darkgrey darkslategrey or see all the colors for this object.

Object Timeline

1907

  • We acquired this object.

2001

2014

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Writing-arm Windsor Chair Writing Chair

This is a writing chair. It is dated early 19th century and we acquired it in 1907. Its medium is ash, maple, and beech woods, leather; brass. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Windsor chairs were first made in America around 1725, though they were in production in England as early as the sixteenth century. The form consists of a solid wooden seat, into which the chair’s back and round legs are pushed into drill holes. This Windsor chair features the utilitarian embellishment of a desk, a trend that had begun by the 1770s.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled A Patriotic Chair.

This object was donated by George A. Hearn. It is credited Gift of George A. Hearn.

  • Writing Toolbox (England)
  • enamel on copper, gilt copper, glass, wood.
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.245.26.
  • 21.2012.1
  • Desk (USA)
  • lacquered wood, painted canvas, chromed metal.
  • Gift of Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz.
  • 2006-24-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 103 x 93.5 x 80.5cm (40 9/16 x 36 13/16 x 31 11/16in.)

Cite this object as

Writing-arm Windsor Chair Writing Chair; USA; ash, maple, and beech woods, leather; brass; H x W x D: 103 x 93.5 x 80.5cm (40 9/16 x 36 13/16 x 31 11/16in.); Gift of George A. Hearn; 1907-14-3-a/e

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18153475/ |title=Writing-arm Windsor Chair Writing Chair |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=1 May 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>