American Furniture
The origin of the rocking chair is unknown but the first ones we do know of originated in England in the early 1700's and were made near Windsor Castle in Berkshire (which lies about a 20 minute drive away from Heathrow Airport) hence the name 'Windsor Rocker'. In all probability it came about through watching the therapeutic effect of gently rocking a baby in it's cradle, so why not do the same for adults? England was not the only country to have the rocker at that time, Sweden had another form around 1740 called the 'Gungstol', which just means rocking chair. These originally had 6 legs and were traditionally painted black with gold outlines. A four legged version became popular in the 1800's
Why does everyone love this particular style of chair? Could it be that they are so comfortable? When you sit in a rocking chair without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backwards until that your center of gravity is found. This has a relaxing benefit with the sitter being kept in an even position. Hence you are relaxed from the word 'Go'.
At some point in history rocking chairs arrived in the USA. It would be convenient to link their arrival with that of the 'Mayflower' but they were not heard of until about a hundred years after the pilgrims arrival and it wasn't until the 1800's that American furniture manufacturers saw any merit in their production. When they did, the Salem, Boston and American Windsor rocking chairs were born. These were all popular and were used mostly for sitting in the garden or relaxing on the porch.
Why does everyone love this particular style of chair? Could it be that they are so comfortable? When you sit in a rocking chair without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backwards until that your center of gravity is found. This has a relaxing benefit with the sitter being kept in an even position. Hence you are relaxed from the word 'Go'.
At some point in history rocking chairs arrived in the USA. It would be convenient to link their arrival with that of the 'Mayflower' but they were not heard of until about a hundred years after the pilgrims arrival and it wasn't until the 1800's that American furniture manufacturers saw any merit in their production. When they did, the Salem, Boston and American Windsor rocking chairs were born. These were all popular and were used mostly for sitting in the garden or relaxing on the porch.
American Furniture
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