Thinking Man's Chair (1986)

An armchair made from tubular and flat steel, with painted russet-coloured surface and hand-written dimensions. Rounded back-rest with 2 horizontal flat cross-struts. Tubular frame of back-rest continues down to form sides of seat and front legs. Tubular back legs curve upwards to meet back-rest, then bend down to form arm-rests, each with a circular metal disc (drink/ashtray holder) on end. Seat is formed from 7 flat strips, curving downwards at front and back. Inscriptions of measurements written in white marker pen (see Creation 2 tab for details). Prototyped for an exhibition of chairs in Japan, with handwritten dimensions. Manufactured by Cappellini

Dimensions:

72 x 64 x 95.5 cm

Accession Number:

M20121; 2018.30

Credit:

Purchased by the Contemporary Art Society with funds from the Arts Council Lottery Fund, the Corporate Patrons of Manchester City Galleries and the Crafts Council, 2004

Scheme:

Special Collection Scheme (1997-2004): Craft

Ownership history:

Purchased from SCP Ltd by the Contemporary Art Society for its Special Collection Scheme, with the aid of Arts Council Lottery Funding, 17 November 2004; presented to Manchester Art Gallery, 2005

Relationship:

SCP (Sheridan Coakley Products) Limited, London Manchester Art Gallery

Subject:

Chair

For the Thinking Man’s Chair (1986), Jasper Morrison envisioned a design to ensure comfort for sitting for prolonged periods of relaxation and pondering: the areas that support the body are made of flat bars and the main structure is tubular; the armchair has armrests equipped with integrated drink rests. This oxide red version also comes in a special edition embellished with writing that emphasises the metal structure’s radius of curvature.

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