November 20, 2004 to June 5, 2005

A single object like a chair can both crystallize a designer's philosophy and express the spirit of the times. Drawn from The Wolfsonian's rich and diverse collection, this exhibition focuses on seating furniture from 1849 to 1946. With the Industrial Revolution as a catalyst, a new generation of designers and manufacturers emerged to meet the demands of mass production and consumption. Their products convey a fresh approach to design, manufacturing, and marketing.

In practical terms, a seat has only one purpose: to accommodate a sitter. Yet many factors influence its final form—from its specific function, material, and production technique to the political, economic, and cultural context of the era. This exhibition explores the history of seating design by examining form and function, and symbolism and meaning.

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