Armchair Used in the United States House of Representatives, 1857-1873
01
Artifact Overview
Thomas U. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, designed chairs like this one for use in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1857. However, members of the House found these impressive-looking chairs uncomfortable. The chairs were replaced in 1859 -- many sold at auction. Photographers like Mathew Brady and Alexander Gardner obtained these chairs as studio props and they appear in images taken during the 1860s.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Armchair
Date Made
1857
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Thomas U. Walter; made by Bembe & Kimbel of New York City, New York or Doe, Hazelton & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished
Object ID
68.127.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Leather
Oak
Wood (Plant material)
Technique
Woodcarving
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 40.5 in
Width: 26 in
Length: 23.5 in
Inscriptions
under rear seat frame: "BEMBE & KIMBEL...
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