The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design

The DeMell Jacobsen Collection of American Art features 57 chairs, each with a story to tell about the history and evolution of American design, art, and craftsmanship. The chairs are arranged across four chronological sections, from the early 1800s to the Civil War, from Reconstruction through the Gilded Age to the dawn of the 20th Century, from Art Nouveau to post-war Modernism, and from the post-war Space Age to the Digital Age. Highlights include designs by John Henry Belter, George Hunzinger, Herter Brothers, Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi, Roy Lichtenstein, and Frank Gehry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2022
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

Designed for function, each chair has a story to tell about the history and evolution of American design, art, and craftsmanship. At the heart of the catalogue is the presentation of 57 chairs from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection of American Art covered in 49 essays, showcasing the beauty of the chairs and their historical context, as well as important social, economic, political, and cultural influences. Highlights include designs by John Henry Belter, George Hunzinger, Herter Brothers, Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi, Roy Lichtenstein, and Frank Gehry, among others. The chairs are arranged across four broadly chronological sections, from the early 1800s to the Civil War; from Reconstruction through the Gilded Age to the dawn of the 20th Century; from Art Nouveau to post-war Modernism; and finally, from the post-war Space Age to the Digital Age and the contemporary focus on space-saving and sustainability. Each section opens with a brief introduction to its key themes.

The chairs in the DeMell Jacobsen Collection of American Art are a testament to the rich history and evolution of American design, art, and craftsmanship. The collection, which comprises 57 chairs, is presented in the catalogue through 49 essays that explore the beauty of these pieces and their historical context. The chairs, designed by renowned artists such as John Henry Belter, George Hunzinger, Herter Brothers, Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi, Roy Lichtenstein, and Frank Gehry, among others, showcase the diverse range of styles and influences that have shaped American design over the centuries.

The catalogue is organized into four broadly chronological sections: the early 1800s to the Civil War, Reconstruction through the Gilded Age to the dawn of the 20th Century, Art Nouveau to post-war Modernism, and the post-war Space Age to the Digital Age and the contemporary focus on space-saving and sustainability. Each section opens with a brief introduction that highlights the key themes and influences of the respective period.

The early 1800s section showcases chairs that reflect the Federal and Greek Revival styles that were popular during this time. These chairs are characterized by their simple designs, straight lines, and use of natural materials such as wood and leather. The Federal style, in particular, was influenced by the architectural styles of the United States Capitol and the White House, while the Greek Revival style drew inspiration from ancient Greece.

The Civil War section includes chairs that were designed during the period of the American Civil War. These chairs often reflect the political and social tensions of the time, with some designs featuring patriotic themes and others reflecting the more somber mood of the era. The chairs in this section also showcase the use of new materials such as iron and steel, which were becoming more prevalent in the industrial age.

The Reconstruction through the Gilded Age section includes chairs that were designed during the period of rebuilding and growth that followed the Civil War. These chairs are characterized by their ornate designs, intricate carvings, and use of luxurious materials such as mahogany and velvet. The Gilded Age was a period of immense wealth and luxury, and the chairs in this section reflect the opulence and grandeur of the time.

The Art Nouveau section includes chairs that were designed during the early 20th century. These chairs are characterized by their organic shapes, flowing lines, and use of natural materials such as wood and metal. The Art Nouveau style was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and was characterized by a focus on simplicity and functionality.

The post-war Modernism section includes chairs that were designed during the mid-20th century. These chairs are characterized by their minimalist designs, clean lines, and use of modern materials such as plastic and fiberglass. The post-war Modernism style was influenced by the social and political movements of the time, with a focus on simplicity, functionality, and mass production.

The post-war Space Age section includes chairs that were designed during the late 20th century and early 21st century. These chairs are characterized by their futuristic designs, use of space-age materials such as aluminum and titanium, and a focus on sustainability and space-saving. The Space Age was a period of immense technological innovation and exploration, and the chairs in this section reflect the optimism and excitement of the time.

In conclusion, the DeMell Jacobsen Collection of American Art is a remarkable collection of chairs that showcases the history and evolution of American design, art, and craftsmanship. The catalogue, which features 57 chairs and 49 essays, provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of styles and influences that have shaped American design over the centuries. From the early 1800s to the post-war Space Age, each section of the catalogue offers a glimpse into the key themes and influences of the respective period. The chairs in the collection are a testament to the talent and creativity of American artists and designers, and their designs continue to inspire and influence contemporary designers and artists.

Weight: 1594g
Dimension: 247 x 287 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875213