Unfolding Chair

Peter Danko, Unfolding Chair, ca. 1981, maple plywood and nylon, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Joseph N. Raffa, 1997.119.1
Peter Danko, Unfolding Chair, ca. 1981, maple plywood and nylon, 31 1219 3419 34 in. (80.050.250.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Joseph N. Raffa, 1997.119.1

Artwork Details

Title
Unfolding Chair
Artist
Date
ca. 1981
Dimensions
31 1219 3419 34 in. (80.050.250.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph N. Raffa
Mediums
Mediums Description
maple plywood and nylon
Classifications
Object Number
1997.119.1

Artwork Description

Peter Danko made a name for himself in the 1980s with his unique and modern ply-bent chairs. These works are made from thin layers of maple, which the artist uses for its strength and durability. Each layer is molded and glued in a heat press, a process that can take up to two and a half hours. Unfolding Chair is both practical and beautiful. When closed, the chair takes up a minimal amount of room, as Danko realizes that storage space can be an issue in many modern buildings. Unfolded, however, the chair's sleek design invites enjoyment and ease, a chance to both look at and sit on the chair.

Works by this artist (314 items)

Henry Wolf, Portrait of a Lady, 1906, wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.228
Portrait of a Lady
Date1906
wood engraving on paper
Not on view
Henry Wolf, Mrs. Alexander Campbell, 1913, photomechanical wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.282
Mrs. Alexander Campbell
Date1913
photomechanical wood engraving on paper
Not on view
Henry Wolf, Mrs. Deborah Franklin, 1898, wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.160
Mrs. Deborah Franklin
Date1898
wood engraving on paper
Not on view
Henry Wolf, Miss Eleanor Gordon, 1908, photomechanical wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.238
Miss Eleanor Gordon
Date1908
photomechanical wood engraving on paper
Not on view

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Smithsonian Institute
Dateca. 1855
hand-colored lithograph
Not on view
Marching As to War
Daten.d.
color etching
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Artist
Unidentified (British)
Daten.d.
engraving
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