Not currently on display at the V&A

High-backed chair

Chair
1956-1958 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of William Carey Wright, a church minister and a musician, and Anna Lloyd Jones, a teacher whose Welsh family had settled near Spring Green, Wisconsin. In 1887, he relocated to Chicago, finding work with two different architectural businesse before being employed by Adler and Sullivan.

In the 1890s, Wright embarked on his first independent commission, The William H. Winslow House in River Forest, Illinois. Wright also designed interiors, furniture and cities in a prolific 72-year career, reflecting his vision of an ideal American society. Wright shared the social reform principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, believing that art and design had a role to play in improving society and everyday life, drawing inspiration from many sources, including nature.

Joyce and John Rayward commissioned Wright to design and build the Rayward House, also known as Tirranna, in New Caan, Connecticut. It was constructed in 1955 using standard concrete block, glass, and wood. This chair was part of the furniture designed by Wright for this home and served as an integral part of the architectural scheme.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Chair
  • Cushion
TitleHigh-backed chair (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Philippine mahogany, solid and veneer on plywood.
Brief description
High-backed chair with cushion, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed for Rayward House, made in the United States, 1956-1958
Physical description
A tall-backed spindle chair made of wood featuring a solid seat frame and cushion, and a high, vertical backrest.
Dimensions
  • Whole height: 127.4cm (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
  • Whole width: 50.8cm (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
  • Whole depth: 56cm (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
  • Cushion height: 13.5cm (approx) (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
  • Cushion width: 54cm (approx) (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
  • Cushion depth: 48cm (approx) (Note: Measurements taken from object by Max Donnelly.)
Credit line
Accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by H M Government from the estate of Beatrix Cooper and allocated to the V&A, 2021
Object history
Lent anonymously to the Museum since 1982.
Subject depicted
Association
Summary
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of William Carey Wright, a church minister and a musician, and Anna Lloyd Jones, a teacher whose Welsh family had settled near Spring Green, Wisconsin. In 1887, he relocated to Chicago, finding work with two different architectural businesse before being employed by Adler and Sullivan.

In the 1890s, Wright embarked on his first independent commission, The William H. Winslow House in River Forest, Illinois. Wright also designed interiors, furniture and cities in a prolific 72-year career, reflecting his vision of an ideal American society. Wright shared the social reform principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, believing that art and design had a role to play in improving society and everyday life, drawing inspiration from many sources, including nature.

Joyce and John Rayward commissioned Wright to design and build the Rayward House, also known as Tirranna, in New Caan, Connecticut. It was constructed in 1955 using standard concrete block, glass, and wood. This chair was part of the furniture designed by Wright for this home and served as an integral part of the architectural scheme.
Collection
Accession number
W.15-2021

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Record createdNovember 4, 2008
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