Armchair, c. 1934
Gerald Summers; Manufacturer: Makers of Simple Furniture, Ltd.expand_more
Laminated birchwoodexpand_more
The Modernism Collection, gift of Norwest Bank Minnesotaexpand_more 98.276.209
Not on Viewexpand_more
Cut from a single sheet of plywood and given its final form without joinery of any kind, Gerald Summer's armchair is audaciously simple in construction. It was manufactured by Summer's own, modestly named London firm, The Makers of Simple Furniture. Today, it represents a textbook example of ingenious problem-solving in industrial design. Despite its apparent simplicity, this chair was difficult to fabricate. As a result, its price was not competitive with the molded plywood designs of its Scandinavian competitors. Its single-sheet plywood form was, however, ideal for tropical climates where traditionally joined furniture was subject to separation.
Details
- Title
- Armchair
- Artist Life
- 1899-1967
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 98.276.209
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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