Side Chair 1742 - 1745

This Side Chair was made from wood in Philadelphia, probably in the 1760s, by William Savery. Savery was renowned for his Windsor chairs, but here he’s showing his range. This chair is a great example of a craftsman skillfully using hand tools to shape the wood, creating a stylish and functional piece of furniture, using traditional techniques of carving and joinery. Notice how the legs are gently curved, the seat is woven, and the backrest is elegantly shaped, testament to the skill and labor involved in its creation. Back then, Philadelphia was a hub of craft and commerce, and objects like this reflect the city's growing prosperity. The chair's design blends British styles with local tastes, reflecting the interplay between global trade and regional craftsmanship. It’s more than just a chair, it's a tangible link to the social and economic landscape of colonial America. Appreciating its design, materiality, and production, challenges conventional distinctions between design and art.