La-Z-Boy Chair Company Reclining Chair with Ottomatic Footrest, 1955

THF162688 / La-Z-Boy Chair Company Reclining Chair with Ottomatic Footrest, 1955
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Artifact Overview

Cousins and La-Z-Boy co-founders Edwin Shoemaker and Edward Knabusch combined technical knowledge with marketing savvy to create a unique furniture company. Clever marketing language made La-Z-Boy's technological improvements memorable to consumers. The adjustable ottoman Edwin Shoemaker attached to La-Z-Boy's recliners became the "Ottomatic" under Edward Knabusch's marketing influence.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Reclining chair

Date Made

1955

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2015.78.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of La-Z-Boy, Incorporated.

Material

Cloth
Metal
Vinyl

Color

Brown
Gold (Color)
Light brown
Cream (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 39 in
Width: 31 in
Length: 29.5 in

Inscriptions

on metal plaque on bottom of back: La-Z-Boy / RECLINING CHAIR / SER NO. 255883 PAT'D / LA-Z-BOY CHAIR COMPANY MONROE, MICH.
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Related Content

  • Patent for the First La-Z-Boy Reclining Chair, January 24, 1929
    Set

    Technological Innovations at La-Z-Boy

    • 19 Artifacts
    In 1927, Edwin Shoemaker and Edward Knabusch -- cousins with a shared interest in building things -- founded a furniture-making business. Their ambition to create new products (and to improve upon existing ones) became a defining characteristic of the company. This group of artifacts represents La-Z-Boy's history of innovation motivated by consumers' ever-changing tastes and demands.
  • Advertising Poster, "La-Z-Boy More than Just a Great Recliner," circa 1990
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    La-Z-Boy co-founder Edward Knabusch concentrated his attention on marketing, through both traditional media and his unique approaches. Though the message evolved, advertising remained a central focus throughout the company’s history. These artifacts represent a range of La-Z-Boy's marketing strategies, including showroom displays, advertisements, and special promotions.