H69.316.2

Chair. Description: Regency swivel chair; black upholstry; brown wood finish; on casters From the History Information station: Object: Swivel chair, wooden frame and screw; seat and back upholstered with horsehair. History: The hard, uncomfortable stools typical of offices in the early 19th century were gradually replaced by innovative office chairs. These were made with several considerations in mind. The businessman ought to look prosperous; he should be able to move easily; and he must have access to the various items necessary to his job. The rotating, tilting office chair, designed to fit these needs, was a dramatic improvement when it was introduced in the 1850s. Hundreds of patents were granted for devices that allowed the chair to tilt, to swivel or to provide a resilient back. As one author commented, "The American seems to have become one creature with his chair, as the Arab with his horse." From the History Information Station: The casual, makeshift office of the early 19th century was transformed by the end of the century. In 1875, one writer despaired of "wretched, frowsy offices wherein everything from the ceiling to the flooring--and including furniture in between--is in bad taste, shabby, mean and repulsive." In contrast, by 1886, another writer proclaimed that "there are very few lines of business at the present time n which leading men do not strive to secure attractive offices . . . furnished and decorated in a way that would alarm some of the men of steady habits and economical ideas of an earlier generation." This office is elegantly furnished to suit a 19th century executive. A tasteful rug, an adjustable, upholstered chair, decorative objects like the painting and bust of Shakespeare, as well as the latest in patented desks, all reflect the successful businessman. It is not so different from the modern executive's office. That too would have a tasteful carpet, a high tech chair, decorative objects and the biggest, most fashionable, desk possible.

Used: Regency