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Side chair (one of a pair)
Jennie Alexander (John D. Alexander, Jr.) (American, 1930–2018)
1982
Object Place: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Medium/Technique
Hickory, oak, hickory inner bark
Dimensions
82.55 x 39.37 x 45.08 cm (32 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 17 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by the National Endowment for the Arts, Ethan Allen, Inc., and the Robert Lehman Foundation
Accession Number1982.624
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds
Jennie Alexander’s 1978 book, Make a Chair from a Tree: An Introduction To Working Green Wood, is a classic in the woodworking and furniture field, revered as a straightforward guide for making a post-and-rung two-slat chair like you see here. It is known to many as the “Jennie Chair” or “JA Chair.” The author blends clear instructions with engaging reflections on antique chairs and contemporary makers. The book ends with Alexander’s notes on how to weave a chair seat from harvested hickory bark. Although this chair is part of the MFA’s Please Be Seated program, it has been “retired” due to condition issues and will be cared for in perpetuity.
DescriptionRound front legs taper slightly to foot, extended about 1" above seat rails round back legs, flattened on front above seat and curving back to form stiles. 2 slats mortised and pegged into stiles. Eight round stretchers. Seat woven of 1/2" strips on bark.
Marks
Punchmark at top of PR front leg: square with curved line and dot (see file)
Provenance1982, purchased from the maker through funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Ethan Allen Inc., and the Robert Lehman Foundation (Accession date: December 8, 1982).
CopyrightReproduced with permission.