Philip Speakman Webb
Adjustable Back Chair

Public Domain

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DesignerChair designed by Philip Speakman Webb English, 1831–1915

DesignerTextile designed by William Morris English, 1834–1896

MakerMade by Morris & Co.English, 1861–1939

CultureEnglish

Titles

Adjustable Back Chair

Datec. 1870

PlaceLondon, England

MediumEbonized wood, original embossed velvet, and metal

Dimensions39 × 32 × 27 in. (99.1 × 81.3 × 68.6 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation, Inc.

Object number93.276

Not on view

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Department

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Object Type

FURNITURE

DescriptionWilliam Morris's influence as a designer extends to his firm, Morris & Co, a forum for some of the leading progressive artists, architects, and designers of the day who created objects in the arts and crafts and reform styles. The designer of this chair, Philip Webb, was trained as an architect but specialized in furniture design. Popular from the moment it was introduced, the chair was both innovative and comfortable due to its adjustability. Ironically, although designed by Webb, it is has always been more popularly known as a “Morris chair” because of its association with Morris & Co.

Provenance[H. Blairman & Sons Ltd., London]; purchased by MFAH, 1993.
Exhibition HistoryDefining Modern: European Design 1890-1935, MFA,H, Andrews Gallery, 8/26/01 - 11/11/01, Curator: C. Strauss

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