The Harvard Chair
Artifact IDMO 63.6114
Object Type
Chair
Date
20th century
Date Presented2/1961
Maker
Nichols and Stone
(Furniture Makers since 1857)
Place MadeGardner, Massachusetts, United States, North America
Medium
Wood, paint
DimensionsOverall H 34 in x W 21 in x D 22 1/2 in (86.4 cm x 53.3 cm x 57.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionStick back Windsor chair, with low squared back, tapered legs painted black, and carved arm rests in stained wood. The chair back has two equal sized rectangular cutouts designed to be used to be pulled from beneath the Harvard dining tables. The seal of Harvard University "VE/ RI/ TAS" is painted in gold leaf on the top rail. There is gilt trim on arms and back spindles. A brass plaque affixed to back is inscribed "Presented by Members of the Class of 1964 in the firm belief that the only proper seat of government is a Harvard chair, February, 1961." Chairs like this were offered for sale through the Harvard Alumni Association during the 20th century by this particular maker.
Historical NoteThis chair was used in President Kennedy's Oval Office of the White House
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from Harvard University to the President Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President between 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineBequest of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy; John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.Subjects
On view