Congress Pedestal Hydraulic Chair
Artist
Koken Barbers' Supply Co.
(American, 1881 - 1969)
Dateearly 20th Century
MediumMahogany, oak, nickel-plated steel
Dimensions52 × 28 1/2 × 48 in. (132.1 × 72.4 × 121.9 cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN1367
This chair was a gift to John Ringling by the Czecho-Slovakian National Band, which was known for their performances at Ca' d'Zan and around Sarasota. It was made by Koken of St. Louis, Missouri, the first company to design a barber chair with a hydraulic lift. It is believed that one of the band members cut John Ringling's hair weekly, but it was making his back hurt. The band took up a collection to present John with this modern, luxury chair that lifted smoothly with the pump of a pedal, helping the musician-barber avoid back problems. During restoration in the 1990's, it was noted that the striped velvet upholstery was a custom selection, as leather was the dominant upholstery for commercial barber chairs at this time.
On View
On viewLocation
- The Ringling, Ca' d'Zan, 2nd floor, Exercise Room
Collections
nineteenth century with elements of sixteenth century carving
Unknown
nineteenth century with elements of sixteenth century carving
Early 17th century (?) and 19th century
19th century
circa 19th century
19th century
