Missing: Tables and Chairs designed by

Charles A. Coolidge, 1887.

When Charles A. Coolidge was working for H. H. Richardson he designed a dining room set for John and Frances Glessner.

The original set consisted of two armchairs, 16 side chairs and a six-foot round table which expanded with leaves to accommodate all 18 chairs.

The dining set, executed by A. H. Davenport exemplifies Coolidge's ability to combine a great range of historic references and influence. The plain reticular form, oak construction and simple leather seat cushion suggest furniture of the American Arts and Crafts period. Round, tapering spindles which flatten into a near square central shape provide the primary decoration, similar to that of a Colonial Windsor chair as well as contemporary furniture designed by William Morris. These spindles and the delicately curved stiles of each chair also contribute vertical balance to a room with predominantly horizontal lines. The curve of the chair rail could be a stylized version of a Chippendale chair rail, another popular Colonial style; yet it is so stylized that its vegetative serpentine lines also evoke early Art Nouveau tendencies. The only other detailing, a spiraling acanthus leaf carved in low relief, wraps around the handhold of each arm. The acanthus leaf was consistently used by Richardson on both architecture and furniture. The subtle design element is secondary to the chair's strong lines and solid massing. The spare lines, minimal ornament and stylized historic reference in this chair affirm a very modern design conception, one which clearly forecasts later dining room chair designs of Frank Lloyd Wright.

MISSING OBJECTS FROM THE GLESSNER HOUSE COLLECTION

This image depicts the original dining table and numerous side chairs designed for the Glessner family. Currently, Glessner House has only the two original arm chairs and two of the side chairs in the museum's collection. This is the last known photograph of the original table and multiple side chairs seen in Glessner House. This photo was presumably taken when the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation occupied Glessner House from 1958 to 1966.

The Glessner family dining table and two arm chairs, ca. 1888.

If you know the location of the original dining set belonging to the Glessner family please call 312-326-1480 or email us at glessnerhouse@sbcglobal.net. Keep in mind that it could have been painted. Please help us solve a mystery!