Folding Armchair 1877 - 1897

The Marks Adjustable Folding Chair Company crafted this folding armchair, a piece of furniture that speaks to more than just comfort. Consider the chair itself: throughout history, the chair has been a symbol of authority. From the thrones of kings to the seats of parliament, sitting, especially in a well-designed chair, elevates one above the mundane, embodying status and control. Look at the stylized acanthus leaves carved atop the backrest, echoing classical motifs of growth and rebirth. Such ornamentation has been used since antiquity. The folding mechanism, however, introduces a modern twist. It suggests adaptability, a willingness to yield and transform—a departure from the rigid, unmoving thrones of old. This tension between the traditional symbolism of the chair and the modern innovation of its folding design reveals a fascinating dialogue between the past and the present. It speaks to our subconscious desire for both stability and change.