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University Libraries to introduce chair collection with kickoff event Oct. 29

Many of the chairs in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library were selected as examples of classic designs that have educational value. The "Iconic Modern Chair" collection includes (left to right) the Red Blue Chair, designed by Gerrit Rietveld (1917-1921); the Wiggle Side Chair, designed by Frank Gehry (1972); and the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames (1946). Credit: Jonathan HsiehAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Oct. 29, the University Libraries will hold a kickoff event to introduce its new “Iconic Modern Chair” collection in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Jury Space on the first floor of the Stuckeman Family Building on Penn State’s University Park campus.

The chairs were purchased by Craig Zabel, associate professor of art history, who used the grant funds he received through the 2016 Teaching Fellow Award presented by the Penn State Alumni Association in conjunction with the Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Association. The annual award includes funding to be used “for the improvement of undergraduate teaching and learning.” Zabel chose to start a teaching collection of historically significant modern chairs for the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library.

Zabel will begin the kickoff event with an illustrated lecture about the history and design of the collection of seven chairs and two stools. A reception will follow in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library on the first floor of the Stuckeman Family Building. Guests are encouraged to inspect the chairs and test them by sitting in them.

The event is free and open to the public.

Last Updated October 23, 2019

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