Chair 1935 - 1942

This is Francis Law Durand's technical drawing, titled "Chair," which depicts top, side, and front elevations of a child's living room chair. The drawing is designed to be one-sixth of the actual size. Durand was working during a period of significant social change, as gender roles were being negotiated and childhood was increasingly seen as a distinct phase of life. This drawing offers insight into how design catered to specific demographics and social norms. It’s intriguing to consider what the design of furniture meant for shaping the experiences of children and their place within the home. The dimensions suggest a chair tailored for a young person, placing them in domestic space in a way that was both comforting and formative. Durand’s attention to detail encourages us to consider how everyday objects reflect and reinforce societal structures.