Chair 1935 - 1942

This technical drawing of a chair presents us with a puzzle of anonymity and utility. Undated, and by an unknown hand, it offers a glimpse into the world of design and craftsmanship, likely from the early 20th century in the United States. The drawing meticulously details the chair's dimensions and construction, complete with visible dowel pins. The inscription indicates the chair's owner as Mrs. May Worth of Mt. Holly, New Jersey. This information gives us a hint: Perhaps this drawing was commissioned as part of a larger project for Mrs. Worth’s home, or perhaps it's a student exercise, the kind of work produced in vocational schools that expanded in the US in the early part of the twentieth century. To understand this drawing better, one could explore local historical societies in Mt. Holly or delve into archives of design schools and furniture manufacturers from that period. Such research can reveal the social and economic contexts that shaped this piece of functional art.