Read below LSU MOA Staff Picks for the exhibition The Art of Seating: Two Hundred Years of American Design. Which chairs inspire you? Let us know in the comment section at the bottom of this blog post.
The Art of Seating is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, in collaboration with the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. The Art of Seating is on view at LSU MOA until June 6, 2021.
“Something about this chair just seems so inviting–the wide, curved seat and high back look perfect for settling in and the spindly stiles and warm wood finish have such a nostalgic feel.”
–Olivia Peltier, Museum Registrar
![Image from LSU MOA Installation: Designed by Erwine Laverne (1909-2003) and Estelle Laverne (1915-1997), Manufactured by Laverne International, Ltd., New York (1957-c.1972), Acrylic Chair [Lily Chair], 1957](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5766c7a4b3db2b2a685b7102/1620164312072-QCYMEP5A1C7BQNG7O420/DSCN1016_edit.jpg)
Image from LSU MOA Installation: Designed by Erwine Laverne (1909-2003) and Estelle Laverne (1915-1997), Manufactured by Laverne International, Ltd., New York (1957-c.1972), Acrylic Chair [Lily Chair], 1957
“Estelle Laverne, Acrylic Chair, 1957–I really love this chair because it reminds me of the furniture I would see on classic films and tv shows that I would watch with my maternal grandmother.”
–Kirsten Campbell, Graduate Assistant
“While many of the chairs are my favorite for a multitude of reasons, I decided to select the Wakefield Rattan Co. Rattan Lady's Reception Chair from 1885 and the Appalachian Bent Willow Armchair from 1890. Separated by a few years and hundreds of miles, at first glance these chairs share very little in common beyond the curvilinear lines that were en vogue at the time. What I appreciate about this exhibit is the embrace the transformative nature of design and the imagination of the makers. Wakefield, a grocer at the time noticed the leftover rattan that was used in shipping and began experimenting with the sturdy yet flexible material. The bent willow chair was from the gritty 'make-do' Appalachian attitude by using materials at hand. The graceful form was created from green willow branches and simple shears that could be made and sold to travelers easily. In my own art practice, I often seek to transform simple materials and so the humble materials of these chairs and the transformation by the hand of the maker, spoke to me on a personal note.”
–Grant Benoit, Educator and Public Programs Manager
Image from LSU MOA Installation: (left) Designed by Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), Manufactured by Knoll Associates, New York City, NY, Large Diamond Lounge Chair, c. 1952; (right) Designed by Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), Manufactured by Knoll Associates, New York City, NY, Bird Lounge Chair, c. 1952
“My favorite chairs in The Art of Seating Exhibition are Large Diamond Lounge Chair and Bird Lounge Chair from 1952. I picked these two chairs because their designs are really a benchmark of what was to come in future designs.”
–LeAnn Russo, Membership Coordinator and Museum Store Manager
Image from LSU MOA Installation: Designed by Thomas E. Warren (active with American Chair Co. 1849-52), Manufactured by the American Chair Co. (1829-1858), Troy, NY, Centripetal Spring Arm Chair, c. 1850
“My favorite chair is the red Centripetal Spring Arm Chair with the pompoms. It reminds me of an eccentric aunt. I could see having tea at my aunt's house and sitting in that red chair in the parlor. I would have to wear a hat to sit in that chair. It makes me smile.”
–Nedra Hains, Director of Development & External Affairs
Image from LSU MOA Installation: Designed by David Robertson Smith, Manufactured by Stickley Brothers (1891 - c. 1932), Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oxbow Arm Chair, c. 1903
“The Oxbow Arm Chair from 1903 by David R. Smith is my favorite. When I was walking through the museum, I stopped in my track and made a path for the chair. The oxbow reminded me of a chair we had growing up. We called that chair the “king chair.” It was originally from my father’s grandmother’s house, to my grandmother’s house, and then to our house. The oxbow and “king chair” would have been from the same timeline. As a child, we didn’t climb or horseplay on this chair…it was just “Serious Sitting” as my grandmother once said. Both chairs have a tall back and a wraparound arm/shoulder. All clean lines with a curve and claw feet appear serious but still inviting. When sitting in the chair you can’t help but sit up straight and have an air of royalty.“
–E Anna Roberts, Business Manager
Image from LSU MOA Installation: Designed by Frank Gehry, Manufactured by Emeco, Superlight, 2004
“Superlight, designed by Frank Gehry and manufactured by Emeco is my favorite chair in The Art of Seating exhibition at LSU MOA. The choice in aluminum material and utilization of a simple yet interesting design make this chair only 6.5 pounds, which is much lighter than most chairs. I love the sleek appearance of the brushed aluminum and think it works well with such a minimalist design, allowing the chair to fit aesthetically in many different interior spaces. Similar to many college students, I have moved a lot and will probably move many more times before being in a singular space permanently; owning a sturdy, well-made chair that wouldn't be hard or heavy to transport would be great. I also find it really intriguing that the chair provides innovative comfort by having hinges that allow it to accommodate the body of the person sitting on it.”
–Autumn Johnson, Graduate Assistant
Image from LSU MOA Installation: (left) Designed by Laurie Beckerman, Manufactured by Heritage Woodshop, Est. 1995, Brooklyn, NY, Ionic Bench, 2010; (middle) Designed by Jon Brooks (b.1944 - Manchester, NH), Manufactured by Jon Brooks, New Boston, New Hampshire, Solid Elm Ball Chair, 1970; (right)Designed by Frank Gehry (b. 1929), Manufactured by Easy Edges, Inc. (active 1969-73), Los Angeles, CA, High Stool, 1971
“This grouping of chairs is my favorite from the exhibition. Their organic forms and earth-tone colors really draw me in…they looked plucked from nature and only practical elements have been added strictly for function such as the indented handle on the Solid Elm Ball Chair (middle) for example. Ionic Bench (left) looks like a wood shaving that has landed into the space perfectly and ready for sitting in its natural form, the Solid Elm Ball Chair’s wooden crack brings beauty and dimension to the chair and a reminder of the tree source where it was created from, and the High Stool’s (right) material of carboard–a recyclable material that has been shaped and layered in this sleek design is so inspiring to me. I love these so much…they really cause me to think about nature and how it’s the source for so many materials and just the craftmanship put into these chairs.”
–Sarah Amacker, Communications Coordinator