History and Origin: Savannah Bent Wood Rocking Chair
The Savannah bentwood rocking chair, a timeless icon of Southern elegance, boasts a rich history intertwined with the evolution of American craftsmanship. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, when skilled artisans in the bustling port city of Savannah, Georgia, began crafting these distinctive chairs.
The story of the Savannah bentwood rocking chair is one of ingenuity and adaptation. As the city flourished, its residents sought comfortable and stylish furniture to adorn their homes. Inspired by traditional European bentwood techniques, Savannah artisans developed their own unique style, incorporating local materials and adapting the process to suit the climate and resources available.
Early Craftsmanship and Techniques, Savannah bent wood rocking chair
The creation of a Savannah bentwood rocking chair was a labor of love, demanding meticulous attention to detail and a mastery of traditional woodworking techniques. The process involved carefully selecting and preparing strips of hardwood, typically oak or hickory, which were then steamed and bent into the desired shape over molds. These molds, often made from wood or metal, provided the framework for the chair’s graceful curves.
Once the bentwood pieces were dry, they were meticulously joined using mortise-and-tenon joints, a technique that ensured the chair’s strength and durability. The chair’s back, often featuring a distinctive slatted design, was then carefully woven from cane or rush, adding both beauty and functionality. Finally, the chair was meticulously finished, often with a rich stain or paint that highlighted the wood’s natural grain.
Notable Makers and Influences
The craft of Savannah bentwood rocking chair making was passed down through generations of skilled artisans, each contributing to the evolution of the style. One notable maker, John B. Morgan, is credited with establishing a workshop in Savannah during the mid-19th century, where he produced chairs renowned for their quality and elegance. Morgan’s chairs were highly sought after by both local residents and visitors, contributing to the growing popularity of the style.
The Savannah bentwood rocking chair also caught the eye of prominent figures of the time.
“The Savannah bentwood rocking chair is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the South,”
wrote renowned author and historian, William Gilmore Simms, in his travelogue of the antebellum South.
Materials and Construction
The Savannah bentwood rocking chair is a testament to the beauty and strength that can be achieved through traditional woodworking techniques. Its distinctive curved form is a result of a careful selection of materials and a meticulous bending process.
Wood Selection
The choice of wood is crucial for the longevity and aesthetic appeal of a Savannah bentwood rocking chair. The most commonly used wood is American hickory, known for its strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. Hickory is naturally flexible, making it suitable for bending, and its resilience ensures the chair can withstand years of use.
Other woods sometimes used in the construction of these chairs include oak, ash, and maple. Oak, known for its hardness and durability, is often used for the chair’s frame. Ash, with its similar properties to hickory, provides a strong and flexible alternative. Maple, prized for its attractive grain and hardness, is sometimes chosen for the chair’s seat and back.
Bending the Wood
The distinctive curves of the Savannah bentwood rocking chair are achieved through a time-honored process of bending wood. The wood is first steamed to soften its fibers, making it more pliable. The softened wood is then carefully bent around a form or mold, which is often made of metal or wood. This process is often done by hand, requiring skilled artisans with a deep understanding of wood’s properties.
Once the wood is bent to the desired shape, it is allowed to dry and set, retaining its new form. This process is repeated for all the curved elements of the chair, including the back, seat, and arms.
Finishing Techniques
The finishing process for a Savannah bentwood rocking chair is just as important as the bending process. Natural finishes, such as oil, wax, or shellac, are typically applied to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and protect it from wear and tear.
These finishes penetrate the wood’s pores, providing a durable and long-lasting protection. They also enhance the wood’s natural grain patterns, adding depth and richness to the chair’s appearance.
Oil finishes, often made from tung oil or linseed oil, are known for their durability and water resistance. Wax finishes, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, provide a smooth and protective layer, enhancing the wood’s natural shine. Shellac finishes, derived from the lac insect, offer a durable and natural finish with a warm amber tone.
A Savannah bent wood rocking chair is a classic piece of furniture, perfect for relaxing on the porch and enjoying the warm Southern breeze. If you’re looking for a unique rocking chair with a touch of rustic charm, you might want to check out the jack daniels rocking chair , which features a distinctive design inspired by the iconic whiskey brand.
No matter which style you choose, a rocking chair is a great way to add comfort and style to your home.
The Savannah bent wood rocking chair is a classic for a reason! Its smooth curves and gentle rocking motion make it perfect for relaxing on a warm afternoon. You know what’s even more relaxing? Watching a chair rock by itself! If you’re curious about the science behind this mysterious phenomenon, check out this article chair rocking by itself.
Back to the Savannah bent wood rocking chair, its craftsmanship and comfort are truly a sight to behold.
