Rocking Chair Research
http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/rocking/origin.html
the rocking chair origin
( history of rocking chairs, 1 of 6 )
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references to paintings and prints depicting the rocking motion
first appearence of rocking furniture
first rocking chairs
we all know that the rocking chair is a distinctly american passion, its origins, however, are less clear.
adding skates or rockers to the bottom of chairs probably evolved from the cradle and the rocking
horse, which both
predate the rocking chair. apparently no one thought to apply the idea to furniture for adults until the
eighteenth century.
the word 'rocker' originated in the 15th century and indicated the person responsible for rocking the
cradle.
in the 18th century it also meant an orator who put others to sleep.
anyway, it was not until 1787 that the earliest dated citation ' ROCKING CHAIR' appeared in the
oxford english
dictionary for usage.
ALCHEMIC ICONOGRAPHY
rebis on rocking half-moon detail from
'viatorum spagyricum' , woodcut by h. hamsthaler
one of the first illustrations of the rocking motion
germany, 1625
can be found in a current symbol in alchemy:
the rebis - the 're-born' or hermaphrodite - is
standing on a half-moon.
(the king and queen, the two are one.
the rebis is cursed to forever roam the shores of
the lake,
but is known to have knowledge of things well
beyond its
domain. alchemy is the 'maternal darkness' and
compensates
for christianity's 'paternal light' and the goal is to
become holy oneself, light and dark made one).
CRADLE
ca. 1500, europe
cradle, detail by piero della francesca
italian early renaissance painter (1415?-1492)
european rocking cradles made of hollowed-out logs
date
back through middle ages.
cradle, detail by andrea mantegna
italian early renaissance painter (1431-1506)
---
victorian rocking horse
ROCKING HORSE
ca. 1700, europe
the first rocking horses were probably made in germany,
although many hail from the victorian era.
yorkshire rocking chair
THE CONVERTED ROCKING CHAIR
ca. 1710, england
In the early 18th century, skates were sometimes applied
to
existing chairs, converting them to rockers.
for example this yorkshire chair dates back to 1630,
but only 80 years later (ca.1710) curved blades were
mounted on
the legs.
adult-size cradles in the shaker infirmary,
massachusetts
ADULT-SIZED CRADLES
1810, usa
cradles for gently rocking weak or aged invalids.
a ceremony of the circle of life - from birth, to death.
the movement probably helped to prevent bedsores.
manufacturered by the religious shaker communities.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Flooring/Floor-Installation/how-to-install-asnap-together-wood-floor/Step-By-Step
Floor board interlocking system
Snap-together floors have specially milled tongues
and grooves that lock together tightly when joined.
The flooring we're using is similar to snap-together
plastic laminate floors except that it has a surface
layer of real wood. The 5/16-in. thick flooring has
specially shaped tongues and grooves that interlock
to form a strong tight joint without glue or nails.
Once assembled, the entire floor “floats” in one
large sheet. You leave a small expansion space all
around the edges so the floor can expand and
contract with humidity changes.
http://www.turkishculture.org/applied-arts/wood-artwork-153.htm
WOODCARVING AND WOOD ARTWORK
Seljuk Turks excelled in the working of stone and wood. The most important of the woodworking techniques was
called kundekari where pieces of shaped wood are interlocked through rabbeting and mortising, without the use of
any nails or glue. Before shaping, the wood was carefully treated so that it would not dry out and shrink later on.
Individual pieces were cut and carved into octagons, diamonds, stars etc. according to the design intended. The
composition was than framed and backed. Another Seljuk woodworking technique, popular in doors, shutters,
reading desks and sarcophagi, was sunk relief where the motifs were carved into the plane of the surface. The
reverse of the technique in which the motif stands out of the plane was used in calligraphic friezes and decorative
borders. Latticing and openwork was developed to a high art, producing lace-like traceries in wood. Beveling, a
technique favored in earlier Central Asian Turkish Art was used not as often.
http://www.rockingchairjack.com/rocking-chair-history/
Rocking Chair History
Although the first rocking chairs in existence were believed to have originated around the early to mid
1700’s in England, the rocking chair was originally utilized as a garden sitting chair. The Windsor rocking
chair was called such because of it place of origination, Windsor Castle, around the beginning of the 1700’s.
It was a wooden rocking chair, wood being the easiest medium through which to create such a piece of
furniture, and since its creation has given birth to many new variations of the rocking chair; such as the
glider rocking chair. In the timeline of rocking chairs, the wicker rocking chair came after the creation of the
Windsor, which was mainly a wood rocking chair with a heavily rounded hoop back with spindles that gave it
the appearance of a bird cage.
Just as outdoor rocking chairs and porch rocking chairs are popular today, in the first days of rocking chairs
people enjoyed the relaxing, undulating back and forth motion while taking in the beauty of nature in the
garden. This gentle motion created by the rocking chair is found soothing by many, similar to the motions of
a swaying cradle. Often outdoor rocking chairs are displayed on porches and have since become an
American standard for relaxation and household outdoor enjoyment.
After its creation in England, the rocking chair was said to have been become mainstream in America around
1750. Benjamin Franklin is often widely credited with the first wood rocking chair creation, which he made
by simply modifying an existing chair and adding gliders to it. Benjamin Franklin apparently adopted the
bowed rockers from a baby’s cradle to fit the design of an ordinary chair and thus, the rocking chair was
born. However, historians have had varying opinions on the validity of historical evidence to support Mr.
Franklin as the originator in America. We do however know that both the rocking horse and the rocking
cradle predate the rocking chair. By the end of the 18th century, rocking chairs became the most common
type of outdoor porch furniture. The rocking chair soon became a mainstream household object, with the
adult rocking chair being used as a symbol of status for many grandparents and heads within families during
the early 19th century in the mid west.
The rocking chair gains its ability to rock in such a way because of a unique feature, the wooden rocking
chair only makes contact with the floor in two places at any one point in time. Without this feature, the
wood rocking chair would not be a rocking chair at all; however one could easily classify it as a stool, bench,
ottoman, or just a plain old chair. There is an ergonomic benefit associated with rocking chairs as well. Due
to the center of gravity of the user being met and the angle utilized, the rocking chair leaves its user at an
almost weightless state.
In the late 1800’s, the first lightweight rocking chair called the bentwood rocking chair was crafted by
German craftsman named Michael Thonet. He utilized a type of steamed wood, which he then bent and
manipulated to achieve the graceful look of the bentwood rocking chair. With their high affordability and
lightweight but beautiful designs, the bentwood rocking chair became an extremely popular among outdoor
rocking chairs across America and the rest of the world.
The modern rocking chair design has been pushed to the limit. Everything from glider rocking chairs, to
portable children’s rocking chairs, and even a high tech rocking chair called the Gravitron have been inspired
by the classic wooden rocking chair. It is hard to further perfect the simple design associated with rocking
chairs, but the mediums through which they have been designed since their creation has vastly differed.
From high tech steel rocking chairs, to rocking surfboard chairs, to even high tech collapsible rocking chairs;
the rocking chair has undergone transformations over the years, but all in all has withstood the test of time.
http://www.google.com/#q=history+of+the+rocking+chair&hl=en&safe=active&prmd=ivns&tbs
=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=oYl2Tb3iGYL88Aag14mDCQ&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=1
1&ved=0CG0Q5wIwCg&bav=on.2,or.&fp=ee7ae51cefa9981c
Rocking Chair Timeline
1740
1740 - The first known rocking chair was called a "Gungstol" and was
created in 1740 in Sweden. The Gungstol, which means rocking chair in
Swedish, had six legs that met at two curved bands of wood and was
typically painted black and gold. Source : Design Boom: Rocking Chairs ...
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Rocking-Chairs&id=799463
The Rockers of Today
Today's rocking chairs are distinguished by their diverse materials and cutting edge, sometimes
outrageous, designs. One of the modern era's most unique was created by Ron Arad in 1990. The
single volume rocking arm chair is made of steel that also tilts upward when it is not used.
Meanwhile, Peter Opsvik of Norway created the "gravity balance" in 1999. This ergonomic
rocking chair allows the sitter to relax or stretch through its four positions. Another unique one
was created in 1999 by Illka Terho and Teppo Asikaine of Sweden. Known as the "chip
lounger," this rocking chair is shaped like a surfboard. In 2001, MAC Sports, USA released the
"malibu" rocking chair, which can be folded up completely into its own carrying case.
The First Rockers
The original inventor of the rocking chair is still unknown. Though some stories attribute its
invention to Benjamin Franklin, no historical evidence can prove them right. Historians can only
trace the rocking chair's origins to North America during the early 18th century. They were
originally used in gardens and were just ordinary chairs with two rockers at their bottoms. It was
in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England. They were also used as garden chairs
and had hoop-shaped backs. The distinction of being the creator of the first popular rocking chair
design actually belonged to England's North American colonies. Windsor rockers, as this design
was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs
featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles known for its cage-like appearance), and a
comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest). The wicker rocking chair was another popular design
created during that time. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America
during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were
famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.
http://www.myrockingchairs.com/types/adult-rocking-chairs.html
Why Rocking Chairs For Adults?
Increased comfort: A chair is one of the most useful pieces of furniture designed for man. It helps
you to get off your feet and relax after a hard day at work. Of all the different types of chairs
available today, a rocking chair is considered to be the most comfortable chair to park yourself in.
The curved rockers of the chair provide a smooth and gentle back and forth movement which
helps to soothe your body and melt your stress away. So the next time you feel weighted down by
tension, you can relieve it by using an adult rocking chair.
Relief from back pain: An adult chair provides immense relief from back
pain. It is commonly believed that an orthopedic designed rocking chair is
the only one that can help in relieving lower back pain. But research has
shown that the design of the particular rocker does not have so much to do
with pain relief as does the basic rocking movement of the chair.
Rocking Chairs – From America?
Americans are very proud that they Invented one of the most popular forms of furniture - the rocking
chair. It is no longer possible to ascertain who actually created the first rocking chair but the story that
Benjamin Franklin was the first in 1787 to have had curved rails set under a chair is not true. An earlier
bill from the furniture maker William Savery of 1774 bears the inscription: 'to putting rockers on a chair' for
which the charge was one shilling and sixpence.
The rocking chair was brought back into fashion in the 1960s by President Kennedy but furniture makers
had started putting curved rockers under existing chairs from the beginning of the eighteenth century to
make them more comfortable.
These early rocking chairs were known as 'carpet cutters' because of the damage done to carpets by
repeated rocking in the same place. Rocking chairs existed in whatever style was in vogue such as
Windsor, slat back, and banister. Rockers were fixed by notching the legs of the chair which were then
fixed to the rockers. This was used for attaching rockers to chairs that had not been made as rockers.
Soon chairs were being expressly designed and made as rocking chairs. These often had heavier duty
legs which were jointed to the rockers themselves. These chairs were also often broader with some being
up to three times as wide as the early 'carpet cutters'. Rocking chairs are usually not upholstered and the
seats are normally of wood or rush. In order to sit on a soft seat cushions were added.
The Boston rocker is a popular form of rocking chair with the earliest known example of this Windsor style
chair being made in 1830, probably in Connecticut. The rolled seat is characteristic of these chairs, with
the front of the seat curved inwards and the rear curving upwards. Collectors and art historians are
particularly interested in the decorations on the chair back and armrests that Were often done in gold
paint.
Soon the grandmother knitting in in her rocking chair or spinning yarn became a familiar sight throughout
the world. The best way to determine if a rocking chair is genuine or converted is to compare the history
of paint on the chair with that of the rockers. If the rockers have fewer layers of paint than the chair then it
is almost certain the rockers had been added later.
Do you remember those days when your grandparents used to tell you stories while sitting in
their favorite rocking chairs? Did you ever experience the thrill of being rocked back and forth
on that chair for the first time? For some people, rocking chairs are endearing parts of their lives.
But, do you know that rocking chairs also have their own stories to tell? If not, here's the history
of rocking chairs that not all of you may have heard about.
The First Rockers
The original inventor of the rocking chair is still unknown. Though some stories attribute its
invention to Benjamin Franklin, no historical evidence can prove them right. Historians can only
trace the rocking chair's origins to North America during the early 18th century. They were
originally used in gardens and were just ordinary chairs with two rockers at their bottoms. It was
in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England. They were also used as garden chairs
and had hoop-shaped backs. The distinction of being the creator of the first popular rocking chair
design actually belonged to England's North American colonies. Windsor rockers, as this design
was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs
featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles known for its cage-like appearance), and a
comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest). The wicker rocking chair was another popular design
created during that time. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America
during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were
famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.
Into the Modern Era
Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, created the first bentwood rocking chair in 1860. This
design is distinguished by its graceful shape and its light weight. Thonet used bent steamed wood
for these rocking chairs. Because of their affordability and beautiful design, bentwood rocking
chairs not only became famous around the world but spawned countless imitators as well.
Neoclassical designs also became a trend in the US during the 1890s. These rocking chairs were
influenced by Greek and Roman designs as well as Renaissance and colonial era artistry. During
the 1920s, however, folding rocking chairs became more popular in the US and in Europe. They
were handy for outdoor activities and travel purposes. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam
Maloof, a US craftsman, became famous for their durability and deluxe appearance. Maloof's
rocking chairs are distinguished by their ski-shaped rockers.
The Rockers of Today
Today's rocking chairs are distinguished by their diverse materials and cutting edge, sometimes
outrageous, designs. One of the modern era's most unique was created by Ron Arad in 1990. The
single volume rocking arm chair is made of steel that also tilts upward when it is not used.
Meanwhile, Peter Opsvik of Norway created the "gravity balance" in 1999. This ergonomic
rocking chair allows the sitter to relax or stretch through its four positions. Another unique one
was created in 1999 by Illka Terho and Teppo Asikaine of Sweden. Known as the "chip
lounger," this rocking chair is shaped like a surfboard. In 2001, MAC Sports, USA released the
"malibu" rocking chair, which can be folded up completely into its own carrying case.
A chair is man's invention to make sitting more comfortable. One of the most popular types of
chairs is the contemporary rocking chair. The rocking chair is named after its unique feature.
Unlike other types of chairs, the rocking chair is capable of an automatic rocking motion. It
allows the occupier to move towards and backwards without the fear of tipping over. A rocking
chair is famous with the elderly. Most of the senior members of the society develop a certain
fixation with the rocking chair because it provides them with comfort and relaxation.
A rocking chair is divided into five parts: the rocker, the seat, the legs, the backrest, and the
armrests. The rocker is the most important feature of the rocking chair. It is the base of the chair
that is formed into a curve. This curved appearance of the rocker makes the rocking of the chair
possible. It allows the occupier of the chair to swing back and forth. It is carefully produced to
accomplish a smooth swaying of the chair. The parts of the rocking chair which connects the
rocker to the rest of the chair are the legs. The four vertical legs act as the chair's support system.
They are normally shorter than the legs of ordinary chairs because they are designed to affix to
the rockers. The legs of a rocking chair are usually carved with different designs. The part of the
rocking chair that is directly supported by the legs is called the seat. It is either a flat or a
concave surface that supports the occupier's bottom. If the seat is responsible for the support of
the occupier's bottom, the backrest is the one responsible for the support of the occupier's back.
For additional ease and relaxation, the backrest of a rocking chair is made to be a bit bended. The
last part of the rocking chair are the armrests. Armrests come in doubles: one in the left and one
in the right. As its name suggests, the armrests primarily function as a place to rest the arms.
Aside from supporting the forearms, the armrests also make it easy for the occupier to enter or
exit the chair. The addition of armrests into contemporary rocking chairs is optional.
The modern version of the rocking chair is called a contemporary rocking chair. Unlike the other
types of rocking chairs, a contemporary rocking chair doesn't necessarily present a woody
appearance. The said type of rocking chair is available in a wide array of bold colors like red and
yellow. The shapes and sizes of contemporary rocking chairs are very different from the
conventional types too. Makers of contemporary types of rocking chair are more aggressive
when it comes to backrest shapes, rocker forms, leg sizes, and seat materials. Some models of
contemporary rocking chair are odd-looking and very geometrical. Despite its unique
appearance, the contemporary types of rocking chair still gives the same comfort and relaxation
provided by other rocking chair types.
Although the rocking chair provides benefits like comfort and relaxation, it may also cause some
trouble. It may be unsafe for children because the chair is at contact with floor by only two
points. If children stay too close to the chair, there is a possibility that their feet may be squeezed
by the rocker. However, this problem is already given a solution. Many rocking chairs are
created with springs or platforms that will prevent any form of feet squashing in the future.
Bibliography
Brecken, J. (n.d.). A guide to contemporary rocking chairs . Retrieved from
http://ezinearticles.com/?Guide-To-Contemporary-Rocking-Chairs&id=801362
Rocking chairs history. (2008). Retrieved from
http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/rockingchair.html