Chair

Chair, everyday piece of furniture that in early civilizations was reserved for persons in high authority. This historical significance is reflected in the term “chairman.” A skilled craft became an art in the hands of English makers Thomas Chippendale (1718–79) and George Hepplewhite (d.1786); and U.S. cabinetmakers William Savery (1721–87) and Duncan Phyfe (c.1786–1854). Wood remains a favorite material, but steel and plastics are also now used. Modern chairs are designed on ergonomic principles; to conform to the structure of the body, thus providing support at anatomically correct points.