The Windsor chair is an American classic, still found in homes, businesses and government buildings all over the country over two centuries after it was brought over from England and refined by colonial woodworkers. Traditionally made of Eastern White Pine, it’s one of the most instantly recognizable shapes in traditional furniture. But designer Norman Kelley has turned it on its head – almost literally – with a fun series of seven reinterpretations.
Using most of the traditional elements from the original design, Kelley created new chairs that keep the function while almost completely changing the form. The Windsor remains recognizable, but comes in new, modernized, off-kilter shapes.
Some appear to have been assembled upside-down, while others have new parts added, like a side-desk supported by two chair legs, or a drawer under the seat. The chairs have been put together in totally unexpected ways, fitting together oddly, but all are solidly constructed and still bear those comfy saddle-shaped Eastern White Pine seats.
