The Chair (or The Big Chair) (1959)
- Partners for Historical Justice
- Jan 14
- 1 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Title
The Chair (or The Big Chair)
Location
Intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and V Street S.E., Washington D.C.
Background
19 and one-half feet tall, the chair sculpture is a beloved landmark of the neighborhood. Originally created in 1959 for Curtis Brothers Furniture by Bassett Furniture, it has been damaged and restored over the years. It famously was left unscarred by the riots that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968. The chair is sometimes occupied by a Santa Claus figure during Christmas. The furniture store closed in the 1970s and transitioned into real estate as the Curtis Investment Group.
When the renovated chair was re-dedicated in 2006, a plaque was added which reads:
THE BIG CHAIR
RE-DEDICATION April 25, 2006
THIS COMMUNITY LANDMARK REPRESENTS THE CURTIS COMPANIES LONG-STANDING ALLEGIANCE TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO UNITY, PROSPERITY, AND GOOD WILL TO ALL WASHINGTONIANS AND FRIENDS OF ANACOSTIA.
See
Prompts for Close Looking
Why do you think this object, not intended as a work of fine art, has been so well-loved in the neighborhood across the decades?
What feelings do you have looking at this enormous chair? Consider the general symbolism of a chair, which emphasizes being present, taking your seat at a table, and, perhaps, evoking a throne.
Why do you think a very large chair is so compelling to the community? Perhaps there is a relevant connection to chairs and leadership, as in “The Chair recognizes.”? Is the Big Chair in effect stating that Anacostia is a place of leadership and power?
Comments